Obituary of Mary Lou Kerr

March 24, 1938 – Saint John, New Brunswick

June 19, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with deep sadness, but gratefulness for years of kindness, generosity, and song, that the family announces the passing of Mary Lou Kerr (nee McAuliffe) on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at the age of 86 years.

Born March 24, 1938, in Saint John, N.B., she was the daughter of the late John and Blanid (nee Sharkey).

Mary Lou was predeceased by her loving husband of 55 years, George Kerr in 2017. She is survived by her son Thomas Kerr (Valerie), and daughters, Laurie Daugherty (Bob), and Jean Kerr; grandchildren, Julia, Geordie, Angela, Erin, and Erik; sister Carol (Gordon) Shaw, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, brothers, John McAuliffe, Gregory McAuliffe, David McAuliffe, Gerard McAuliffe, and Mark McAuliffe; and sisters, Rosemary Milan and Patricia Jensen.

Mary Lou completed training as a medical stenographer in New Brunswick and, afterward, moved from St. John, NB to Calgary, AB, where she worked at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre while living with relatives. It was in Calgary she met George Kerr and they wed in 1961. They soon bought a home in Acadia and raised their family there. Later, Mary Lou worked at Lincoln Electric as an executive secretary and then at the Alberta Children’s Hospital as an executive assistant, from where she retired. 

There was a special place in her heart for her family.  She adored her mom, who beyond feeding nine children, often fed others at the back door of the family kitchen during the Great Depression, though threadbare themselves. Mary Lou saw the world through a lens of compassion and generosity, no doubt guided by this experience. Throughout her entire life, singing and music were where Mary Lou’s interest and passion lay. Whether singing with the church choir in her youth, casually at social gatherings with family in Calgary, or with the Sweet Adelines wherein she sang bass and competed nationally. Her rich bass voice lent itself to many beautiful performances. She also helped organize countless fundraisers and events with the organization. Up until the turn in her health, she also sang in a quartet called Acadia, which she enjoyed greatly. 

A Celebration of Mary Lou’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek Hospitality Center, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, June 28, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mary Lou’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Mary’s family here.

In living memory of Mary Lou Kerr, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Click Here to Sign the Digital Guest Book and Watch Mary Lou Kerr's Celebration of Life