Joanne Kerr (nee Uglene), 90, much loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 17th, 2026. Born on April 12, 1936, in Frontier Saskatchewan, Joanne’s life was full of love, laughter, kindness, friendship, endless cups of coffee and the occasional glass of wine.

Joanne grew up in a Vancouver very different from what we see today. She and her late sister, Norma, and late cousin Donna, would ride their bicycles from East Vancouver across the rail bridge at the Second Narrows, make their way to Lion’s Gate, and cycle on home to East Vancouver—making a day of it. She was active in school, playing on the grass hockey team and was also a member of her church youth group. She met her husband, the late Bryan Kerr, at the Lutheran church and they married in 1956. They started a family in New Westminster, and then moved to Port Coquitlam before settling in Maple Ridge.

She was given to vivid enthusiasms: Chinese cooking, watercolour painting, health foods, and many other interests. She was on the executive of Women’s Aglow for many years, serving that organization in a variety of capacities. Once she became an empty-nester, she took up a new career as a financial planner, selling mutual funds and other investment instruments with Primerica. She made many friends wherever she went.

Joanne retired to Boston Bar in the Fraser Canyon with her husband, where they spent time with their eldest daughter and her family. Joanne and Bryan grew impressive gardens, and became active members of the community. She served for many years as the secretary of the Boston Bar Enhancement Society.

She moved from there to Chilliwack, where she made many new friends at the Auburn Retirement Residences. She then moved to the Suncrest in South Surrey in 2025 to be closer to her daughter Sharon. The outstanding staff at that facility cared for her in her final time.

She is survived by her three children: Janet, Sharon, and Michael and their respective spouses, who will all miss her deeply. Her nine grandchildren—Sarah, Crystal, Jesse, Daniel, Andrew, Levi, Katherine, Jonathan, and Benjamin, and her three great grandchildren Collin, Oliver, and Michael—will also miss her greatly. Her memory will be carried by all her family members and the many people whose lives she touched.

A private family service will be held. There is no need for flowers or donations, but if anyone wishes, they can make a contribution to one of the many organizations Joanne supported: The Union Gospel Mission, Operation Smile, Food for the Hungry, and World Vision.