MARCH 17, 1931 – APRIL 14, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia Kerr Willard of Cambridge (Galt) on April 14, 2024, in her 94th year. Born on March 17, 1931, in Truro, Nova Scotia to parents William and Margaret Kerr, she was recently predeceased by Gordon, her loving husband of 67 years, in October 2023, as well as her sisters-in-law Mary-Lou Kerr, and Rosemary Ambrose. Cherished mother of Gary Willard (Donna) and Lynn Willard and grandmother of Robyn and Brooke (Tyler), she is also survived by her brother Glen Kerr, brother-in-law Gordon Ambrose, and many nieces and nephews.
Mom grew up in Nova Scotia and loved animals from an early age. There were always rabbits, kittens or other pets to be found around the Kerr household. Mom graduated from business school in Halifax as a stenographer and had a keen sense of numbers. She took on several jobs in Halifax and then briefly worked at the Willard Furniture Store upon arriving in Galt. Always wanting to keep herself involved beyond managing the family household, she enjoyed keeping books part time.
Mom met Dad at a YMCA dance while he was in the Navy and stationed in Halifax. They were married in Bedford, Nova Scotia in 1956 and then began their new family in Galt. She was a long-time and active member of First United Church until its amalgamation with Cedar Hill United Church and was involved with many church activities over the years, especially the annual bazaar. She was an avid bowler in her younger years and won numerous trophies. Having a passion for knitting, Mom created countless mittens, hats and scarves for charity. She also loved to bake and spend time with her family.
Mom and Dad enjoyed collecting antiques together and could always be found hunting for treasure at Saturday morning garage sales. In later years, they had a booth at the Freelton Antique Market to sell their wares. Mom was bit by Dad’s travel bug after their first cruise up to Alaska, and many trips followed to various destinations around the world, often in the company of family or friends.
The family is grateful for the compassion, care, and support she received while living at St. Andrew’s Terrace for the last six years. She kept everyone on their toes with her sense of humour and quick wit and will be dearly missed by all those who knew her.
A celebration of life for Pat will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 11am-2pm at Coutts Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 96 St. Andrews St, Cambridge. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cambridge Memorial Hospital or the Alzheimers Society.
Arrangements entrusted to Coutts Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
