Obituary of Eta Lenore Kerr

February 8, 1936 – Calgary, Alberta

September 29, 2024 – Abbotsford, British Columbia

After a life lived with zest and love, Eta left us on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at the age of 88 years, to meet up with the love of her life, Morley Kerr (2016) and two of their beloved children, Karen Kerr (2014) and Ian Kerr (2019).

Eta was born and raised in Calgary, the second of five children (Noni, Donna, Clarice, and Howard) to Edythe and Louis Pearlman. She was raised in an atmosphere of Yiddishkeit but also educated publicly at Central Heights High School. Much to her piano teachers' chagrin, instead of becoming a concert pianist, she went on to complete a Bachelor of Science at the University of Manitoba and to work as a laboratory technologist.

Eta and Morley were high school sweethearts and to their mutual delight, they married soon after Eta returned from university. They shared 65 loving years together in Calgary until moving to Abbotsford, BC, in 2014. Eta never had eyes for another. Morley’s heart was her heart for her entire life.

Together, they raised three children, Sheryl, Karen, and Ian. Eta devoted much of her energy to nurturing their children and making their home a welcoming place for family and friends. Eta cherished her many meaningful relationships.

Eta’s essence is best expressed in her sweetness, her kindness, her wit and irrepressible humour, and her willingness to do things that needed to be done. She spent years as a volunteer on the Mooter Farein of the I.L. Perez School and was an accompanist at school events as well as for the Jewish Council Choir.

Memories of Eta include endless batches of favourite baking, celebrations with her famous homemade ice cream cakes, watching her tame her one wild strand of hair with ‘Scottish’ tape and later donning her many bracelets, signing every card to her grandchildren with a million hugs and kisses, her news-clipping and mail service of things of interest and animals born at the Calgary Zoo, writing notes that showcased her brilliance and love of language, reading voraciously, craving chocolate, and eating chocolate.

Eta was always optimistic and thankful for the good in her life despite her losses.

The memories of who she was shine on in the minds of her loving family who survived her: daughter Sheryl Kerr Loughlin, Sheryl's husband Brian Loughlin; and daughter-in-law Erin Smith (Ian). Eta also held a special place in the hearts of her three grandchildren, Jamie and Spencer Loughlin, and Ruby Kerr. They were her most coveted visitors.

Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Michael Newton, Dr. John Chan, and the truly lovely and loving staff at Menno Terrace East and Menno Hospital who did their utmost for her to live her best life.

Funeral Services will be held at Erlton Street Cemetery (Erlton Street and 30th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB) on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Family and friends will gather afterwards at the Calgary JCC (Jewish Community Centre) (1607 – 90^th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB).

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to a charity of your choice.

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

Arrangements in care of the CHEVRA KADISHA OF CALGARY, Telephone:  403-244-4717.