TOPSFIELD – We are so sad to announce the passing of Katherine "Kathy" Kerr who was under hospice care and died from a long-term illness on Tuesday, June 25th, 2024.

Kathy's mother passed away during birth and her biological father had health issues and was not able to raise her, but it was apparent that he loved her very much. Kathy was raised by her foster parents who loved her very much and her dad kept in close contact with her up to the time of his passing. Kathy went to the Kennedy Memorial Hospital School and then later attended the Industrial School for Handicapped Children. She graduated from high school on June 12th, 1963.

Kathy volunteered at the New England Memorial Hospital in Stoneham from 1967 to 1977.  She enjoyed this time of her life. At the age of 41, she moved into a nursing home and from there she was discharged to the Northeast Arc, Topsfield House, where she boasted that this was one of her most memorable times of her life.

The outpouring of love, wit, and compassion that Kathy gave came back to her two-fold by so many of her friends, staff, and acquaintances. Kathy was an avid knitter, loved to read, was a huge John Cena fan (even went to a WWE match to see him). She loved a good high stakes bingo game, going clubbing and was a devout Catholic.

Kathy is survived by her dear friends and housemates, Chris, Peggy and Wendy. She will be dearly missed by all.

ARRANGEMENTS: A visiting hour will be held at  O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (rte 62) DANVERS, on Tuesday, July 2nd, from 9 to 10 AM.  Her funeral Mass will be held at St. Rose of Lima Church, Park St, Topsfield, at 11 AM, following the visiting hour on Tuesday, July 2nd. Relatives and friends invited. Burial is at Holy Cross Cemetery, 175 Broadway, Malden, MA.  In lieu of flowers, Kathy wished for donations to be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas TX 75284. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

American Heart Association
P.O. Box 840692, Dallas TX 75284
Web: https://www.heart.org/