Marguerithe 'Chad' Kerr

Marguerithe Delia Chadwick Kerr, 83, passed away on January 5, 2011 at The Meadows Mennonite Center in Chenoa, IL. Born on September 23, 1927, in New Jersey, Chad was a daughter of William and Mercedes Dolson (Rafter) Chadwick. She was the first in her family to attend college and received her bachelors and masters degrees at Montclair State Teachers College. While teaching at Butler High School, she met Richard Hyde Kerr. They were married on November 19, 1955 and enjoyed 44 wonderful years together prior to his passing on June 23, 1999. Chad and Dick made their home and raised their 3 children in Richford, NY. Chad returned to substitute teaching English and Social Studies when the children were all in school and later taught fulltime at Owego Free Academy becoming head of the Social Studies Department. She was a long-time and devoted member of the First Congregational Church, UCC in Newark Valley where she held many positions and participated in almost all of the church activities. She was also a member of the Berkshire Reading Club and served as president for more than 25 years. She volunteered her time as a tutor, was a wonderful story-teller at the Newark Valley Apple Festivals and was famous for her homemade pies and candies. Over the years, Chad and her family hosted several foreign exchange students. In later years, they enjoyed traveling to visit the students in their home countries. Chad is survived by her daughter Beth, Harveys Lake, PA, daughter Jean and her husband Paul, Stanford, IL, son Randy, Newark Valley and 6 grandchildren. Chad continued to demonstrate her generosity even after death by donating her body for the advancement of science. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Chads Life will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, March 13th at the First Congregational Church, 32 Main St., Newark Valley. Rev. James K. Boodley, Pastor, will officiate. A reception, with light refreshments will be held in the chapel following the service. Written remembrances of Chad may be sent to her son in advance of the memorial service as some may be selected for sharing at the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Richard and Chad Kerr Scholarship Fund, c/o Randy Kerr, Trustee, 616 Barber Rd., Newark Valley, NY 13811. This fund was established by Chad when Dick passed and has been sponsored by her every year since then. Her wish was to make it self-sustaining and continue to assist others in their goal of further education. Remembrances may also be shared in her guest book at www.macphersonfh.com