Tamara Von Gemmingen
Story Created:
Mar 7, 2008 at 10:21 AM AKDT
Story Updated:
Mar 7, 2008 at 10:21 AM AKDT
Marion Smith Kerr, a 40-year resident of Anchorage, died Feb. 22, 2008, after a long battle with ovarian cancer. She was 75.
Mrs. Kerr was born March 7, 1932, in Joliet, Ill. She was the only child of Lawrence D. and Ruth (Downing) Smith. She grew up in Lockport, Ill., and graduated from Northern Illinois State University with a bachelor's degree in education. She went on to complete a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in deaf and hearing-impaired education.
She taught in Joliet and East Aurora, Ill., before coming to Anchorage in 1965 as one of the first three teachers of the deaf at Government Hill Elementary School. Shortly after her arrival, she picked up cross-country skiing, and as a result, she met and married John Kerr.
She enjoyed traveling, gardening, spoiling grandchildren and volunteering with the Anchorage School District and the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau. She was a gifted storyteller, quick-witted and well informed about the happenings of the world.
Marion was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, John I. Kerr.
She is survived by a loving family, including her sons, Daniel Kerr of Anchorage and Timothy Kerr of California; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Scarborough; and grandchildren, Samuel, Abigail and Benjamin Kerr, all of Anchorage.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to promote ovarian cancer research and early detection.
Anchorage Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements
