Nanwasaverykind, generous andhospitablewomantoall
NAN Kerr, Donaghmore, Carrick Road, Kilkerley, who died in her 90th year on 11 September, 2017, was the most caring of mothers, and, indeed, was like a mother to all.
She was a very kind, generous and hospitable neighbour and friend, who worked very hard in the home and on the family dairy and livestock farm, milking cows, feeding pigs, chickens and other animals.
Nan enjoyed working on the farm, with her three sons helping out.
She was blessed with a long and happy marriage which stretched over 68 years, and had a deep faith.
Nan was one of two daughters of the late Henry and Mary Donnelly. She was predeceased by her husband, James, in 1996; and son-in-law, John, in 2001, at the age of 47.
Very sadly, Nan’s sister Patricia died at the age of only nine. Nan’s brother Edward predeceased her in 1997, along with her sister-in-law Nan Donnelly, who died in 2008.
Nan was brought up in Dunbin, Knockbridge and attended Kilkerley National School. She helped her mother in the family home, and to sell the family produce, such as eggs and bread at the Market Square, Dundalk.
Nan met James Kerr from Channonrock in the Wolfe Tone hall in her home village. They married in 1949, and Nan went to live on her husband’s farm at Donaghmore.
She was a devoted wife and mother, who worked hard to provide a warm and loving home; raising three sons and four daughters, and she would do anything that needed to be done inside or outside of the house.
Nan gave her life to her family and loved looking after her grandchildren when they came along.
She loved socialising with family and friends. She was very kind-hearted and a prime example of this was when she took care of her brother-in-law, Tommy, who lived with the family.
Nan’s door was always open to family, friends and neighbours. She always had extra in the pot for whoever dropped in, and the kettle was always on the boil for visitors.
She was a great baker, renowned for her bread, apple tarts and Christmas puddings. Nan always made a stock to give to neighbours and friends who visited at this time.
Her religion was very important to her. She regularly attended Mass and had a deep devotion to Saint Brigid, whose shrine at Faughart she frequently visited.
She also made pilgrimages to Knock and trips to Castlepollard. Nan was quiet, but witty, and loved to chat. She was fond of style, loved high heel shoes and liked nothing more than getting her hair done.
She enjoyed visiting Blackrock in the summer, and in later years going on trips to the Aran Islands. A regular treat she looked forward to was going with her son Henry, to the Carrickdale hotel for Sunday dinner.
Indeed, she loved fast cars, and enjoyed spins with Henry in his red Mercedes.
Nan was in failing health for the last number of years, and her family were very fortunate, and will be forever grateful to Henry, who lived with her all down the years. He was her main carer and the family couldn’t have asked for a better brother or carer.
Nan passed away peacefully at home surrounded, by her family. She is survived by her sons, Sean, Seamus and Henry; daughters, Patricia Rogers, Martina Brown, Kathleen McNally and Theresa McGorrian; along with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Nan reposed at her home until her remains were removed to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kilkerley, for evening prayers led by Father Patrick Rushe, Father Gerard Campbell, Father Padraig Keenan and Father Brian White.
Father Campbell celebrated Requiem Mass the next morning, along with Father Rushe, Father Mark O’Hagan, Father Emlyn McGinn, Father Tim O’Leary and Father Garrett Campbell.
Gifts symbolising Nan’s life were taken to the altar by her four daughters. These included her handbag, homemade bread, her wedding picture and a figurine resembling the farm.
The Readings were given by grandsons, Mark McGorrian and Brendan McNally, while the Prayers of the Faithful were led by grandchildren, Kenneth and Jonathan Browne, Graham McNally, Audrey Kerr and Laura Hand. The Offertory gifts were presented at the altar by granddaughters, Evelyn Shields and Rachel McGorrian. Daughter Theresa shared a reflection. The beautiful music was provided by Sinead McNally and Barry Hughes, along with Fidelma Bellew and the church choir.
Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery.
The Month’s Mind Mass took place on Sunday, 22 October, 2017 at 10am in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kilkerley.