Obituary of Ruth S. Kerr

Ruth S. Kerr, 90, of Homer, N.Y. passed peacefully at home on December 2, 2011. The only child of Edmund A. and Marjorie S. Sullivan, she was born in Edwards N.Y., on June 7, 1921. Graduating from Edwards High School, she began studying for her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Syracuse University where she pledged Delta Delta Delta sorority. At SU she met Richard H. Allison and they married in 1942. She gave birth to their only child but was widowed just five days later when Richard tragically died while piloting an Army Air Corps P-47 Thunderbolt over England. She returned to SU and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Masters of Education. Ruth taught high school art in Lowville, Cobleskill and Cortland schools. In Cortland she met Dr. Robert H. Kerr, Cortland mayor and surgeon. They married in 1953. She resigned her teaching position and took on the roles of wife and full-time mother. Ruth continued active and lifelong involvement in the Arts and historic preservation. She became an accomplished weaver, was a founding member of the Seven Valley Weavers Guild and co-published a technical weaving book. In 1980, Governor Mario Cuomo appointed Ruth a Commissioner to the Central Region of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation where she served in an unpaid capacity with notable dedication and energy for 19 years. She was active in the early development of the 1890 House in Cortland, was an early supporter of Cortland Repertory Theater and had a long history of involvement with the Medical Auxiliary of Cortland Hospital. Devoted to her Catholic faith, Ruth served on the Altar Rosary Society as well as a religious education instructor and Eucharistic Minister at St. Margarets Church in Homer. Her commitment to and love for her family were complete and without bounds, providing a wonderful example for her children. Predeceased by her parents and two husbands, Ruth is survived by her children James B. (Pamela) Allison; C. Duncan (Colleen) Kerr; Andrew S. (Gaylene) Kerr; Susan R. Kerr; Katherine A. Kerr; grandchildren Mitchell P. Allison, Kathrine F. Ross, Kathleen E. Falconio and Carly A. Kerr; and three great-grandchildren. At her request, there are no calling hours. Funeral mass will be December 7 at 11:00 AM at St. Margaret's Church, 14 Copeland Avenue, Homer, NY. Memorial Contributionsmay be made to the Thousand Islands Arts Center, 314 John Street, Clayton, NY 13624 or Phillips Free Library, 37 South Main Street, Homer, NY 13077. Dear Andy and Family, Our prayers and sympathy are with you during these difficult times. God be with you and don't hesitate to call us if you need help with things in Bozeman while your away. Dave & Linda Skelton Family To Kerr family, Your mother was a special lady. She was from a generation that made sacrifices without complaint. We are fortunate to have known her. Her talent as a weaver and historian will not be forgotten. Ruth's family was her legacy. She was proud of all of you. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Linda and Larry Williams (Goldendale, WA) I'm so sorry to hear of Mrs. Kerr's death. I remember many years ago, the whole time I was growing up, that she was a real favorite of my grandmother, Lena Gorman. I know if my grandmother were with us today she'd be so sad at the passing of someone for whom she had such fondness. Nancy Keefe Rhodes Our thoughts are with you. Mothers are irreplaceable in our lives. Always remember the fun and happy times and she will never be far away. With sympathy, Ava & Bill Van Velsor Sending sincere condolences on the loss of your Mom - a very special lady indeed. I was very fond of her and am honored to have so many good memories with your family. With love, Terryn