Obituary of Eleanor Nellis Kerr
Eleanor Nellis Kerr
nee Blake
March 31, 1928 - May 13, 2023
Eleanor passed away in Toronto on May 13, 2023, after a long and healthy life. She was the much beloved wife and best friend of the late Harry Kerr QC (1927-1996).
She is predeceased by her brother Ted Blake of London, Bob Blake of Kitchener-Waterloo, and wife Noreen, by her sister-in-law Mary Alford and husband Bill of Toronto.
She is survived by their five great and loving kids: Andrew Henry of Toronto, Gordon Matthew (Barbara Klose) of Hamilton, Katherine Eleanor (Vaughan Hoy) of Edmonton, Elizabeth Nellis (Nick Godfrey) and Stephen Edward (Maryann) of Oakville.
She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Alexandra, Kimberley, Miro, Kaitlyn, and Harrison; her niece Lynne Blake-Dickson, (Kirk), great niece Sarah Steeves (Jamie), great nephew David Blake (Ciara Fragomeno); her nephew Jim Blake, (Myra Stephen); and nieces Elizabeth Aberdeen (David), Susan Alford, and Jane Sutherland (Cam) and great nieces Emma and Grace.
Eleanor grew up in London Ontario before attending Victoria College at the University of Toronto for Home Economics. She was on the tennis team during her 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year and graduated in 1950. She met Harry on the front steps of her residence during her second year. They married in 1951 and spent the next 45 years together.
Always a creative maker, Eleanor designed the beautiful home in which she raised her family, made many of their clothes and spent years painting. She then turned her hand to textile arts such as rug hooking, weaving, needlework, and embroidery. She dyed and cut her own wool for hooking; she spun her own wools for weaving. She loved to sing and could usually be found humming some snatch of song from her youth.
Eleanor’s immediate and extended family were her greatest joy. Eleanor was an active member of Metropolitan United Church and was instrumental in the creation of the Bond Street Nursery. Until recently, Eleanor was active in the University Women’s Group of Toronto, the Toronto Guild of Stitchery, and her book club. She was a long-time member of the Granite Club, where she curled, bowled, played squash and bridge. Eleanor enjoyed almost every spring, summer and fall at the cottage on Long Point, Balsam Lake from 1969 to 2019. She participated in the Long Point community, kept a great summer home for her family and made many friends.
Our family has been loved, cherished, nurtured and sustained by this dedicated, caring, gentle woman. Her loss to us is immeasurable. We will miss her profoundly.
Cremation and private family interment service will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto. Service of celebration will be held at 1:00 pm. on Monday, June 5th at Manor Rd United Church, 240 Manor Road, East Toronto with a reception to follow.
Condolences and memories can be shared at www.humphreymiles.com. Please send remembrances to your charity of choice.
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