Joan, beloved wife of the late Sidney (Kelvin) Kerr,
mother and mother in law of Greg (deceased) and Rachel, Jamie and Tammy, Melinda and Paul, and their families.
Died peacefully on 22nd September.
Loved sister of Cameron, Kenneth, Elaine, Frederick (all deceased), Wilma and treasured aunt of her wider family.
Joan was a loving, cheerful, caring and generous member of her family
and was an inspiration to all of her church family and wider community whom she served faithfully all her life.
She will be held forever in our hearts.
Joan's funeral service was held on 1st October and was a private service due to covid restrictions.
You can still watch this service on the link below.
You are now invited to attend a Service of Thanksgiving for Joan's life,
which will be held in the Harcourt Uniting Church on Sunday 12th December commencing at 2.00pm.
Proof of full vaccination will need to be shown to permit access to this service.
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I shared many happy times with Joan over the years of our friendship. She often sent me special things via post, usually introduced by “I thought you might like the Postie to call”. The one that I have kept with me always is this: I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, “Give me a light so I may travel safely into the unknown”, and he replied, “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God, that will be more to you than light and safer than a known way”. I feel sure this has been Joan’s guide through out her life and hopefully mine.
– Carole Ingersoll
Joan was a beautiful neighbour.
We enjoyed many an afternoon tea and the odd Champagne together.
We loved her chats, wisdom and kindness.
She was an inspiration.
We miss her. Jo and Tom
Treasured memories of many happy times and trips with Joan and the Bendigo Ladies Probus Club. Joan was such a cheerful caring lady who was loved by all.
– Nance Winzar
Joan was a family friend from the early 1950’s when we visited her and Kel at White Hills, subsequently at Quarry Hill and latterly at Ravenswood. Joan and my mother were members of the YWCA Wahene Young Married Club. Visiting from England, we always enjoyed a tour of the Ravenswood property, which often included a fleeting view of the Bendigo-to-Melbourne train as it passed by. Joan’s love of art and nature shone through. She had a eucalypt which was her hugging tree. The trunk was cool to the touch, even in the height of summer. I will miss her cheery letters which always carried news of Greg, Melinda and Jamie. She was a good friend.
Rosemary Richardson
Joan was a great supporter of Radio KLFM. For over 15 years she brightened up our office bringing in hand made floral displays every Monday. She painted a beautiful picture of Bonnie our station cat, which hangs with pride in our office. Our sincere condolence’s to Joan’s family. We will miss her deeply. From all at Radio KLFM.
Brad Geier
So glad I was able to meet her a few times in person while her son, Greg was slowly passing away. She was a very warm, caring person. I am glad that we were also able to keep in touch by mail.
(Mrs) Mathel Gottlieb-Drucker
Treasured memories of our longstanding and dear friend Joan, a kind and generous lady.
Deepest sympathy to Joan’s family and friends.
Resting peacefully now.
Peter, Carolyn, Caitlin and Tom Stanistreet.
Joan was a much loved, faithful and generous member of the Harcourt Uniting Church. Always smiling and cheerful even in the difficult times. She loved life and enjoyed every aspect, her art, her friends, her garden. “Let us be grateful for the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom”. Surely that is Joan, we miss her greatly.
Brenda Warner
Joan was a dear friend and neighbour to my mother, Winsome. In turn she became a good friend to me, always remembering me at Christmas and for my birthday and sending her special handmade cards by post. I enjoyed my visits to her home at Ravenswood and remember a memorable afternoon when, together with our friend Johannes from Switzerland, we decided to learn how to fold Japanese paper cranes. It was about 38 degrees that day and Joan would have already been 90 at this time – perhaps when I’m 90 I will have similar patience for the task! Joan was well-known for her painting and I have a particularly lovely scene featuring the Harcourt reservoir, Mount Alexander and surrounding orchards, gracing my living room. Joan brought grace, dignity and laughter to so many occasions in the community and will be well-remembered by us all.
Rosemary Cordy
A beautiful tribute to a truly beautiful lady with a heart of gold. A much loved member of the Bendigo Ladies Probus Club for 27 years. We have at some stage all received one of her gorgeous cards for birthdays or when members were not feeling well. We will truly miss Joan, her caring nature and infectious smile.
On behalf of all members our thoughts are with her family at this sad time.
Kath Ferrari – President
I got to know Joan in 2013 when I joined the Sunday service in Harcourt with Rosemary Cordy.
It developed to a wonderful friendship for the next years.
During this time we had a frequent exchange of letters
and Joan even sent some knitted hats for the two boys of my niece who is living next door.
I keep Joan as a very warm, grateful, positive and patient person in my heart.
Johannes Dreier (Switzerland)
I only meet Joan once on a bus trip to a show on Melbourne, I heard her name and shared a table with her at lunch to let know of our connection, her husband Kelvin and my Father had worked together many years before.
She was a charming lady and I wish we could have had more contact but that was not to be.
Lana Osterfield
I first met Joan in 1972 when 5 of us Teacher’s College girls were interviewed by Kel and Joan before being allowed to rent their house in Pleasant Vale Cres. Kel was firing questions at us and Joan was excusing Kel’s questioning. Many years later Joan walked into our Harcourt Uniting Church one Sunday and said: “I’m Joan Kerr” to which I replied: “Yes I know you are!” That began a wonderful friendship with everyone at Harcourt Uniting Church.
How would you describe Joan – bright, bubbly, positive, generous, enthusiastic, energetic, caring, very independent and determined to stay in her own home at Ravenswood as long as possible. She was well known for her art and beautiful hand made cards. Personally she took a great interest in our family and would send cards to Narelle in particular. Of course Narelle was always sending cards to Joan. She also took a great interest in our grandchildren sending them cards filled with glitter and stickers. We were privileged to have been able to call her a special friend.
Jan and John Jenkin