Patricia Walsh Kerr passed away in Encinitas, California on October 20, 2021 at the age of 81. Patricia was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 4, 1940 to Lorraine and Edward Walsh, the first of their five children. Patricia grew up in Elmhurst, in a household rich with love and laughter. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
She attended Immaculate Conception Catholic school; class of 1958. She graduated from Clarke College in Dubuque, Ia., earning a B.A. degree in history, minors in English literature and philosophy in 1962. Upon graduation she traveled to San Francisco to work as a substitute teacher. Shortly thereafter, she met James H. Kerr and the two were married in August 1964. They moved to Frankfurt, Germany, to pursue James’ career, living in Heidelberg for three years. It was there that her daughters Anne and Jean were born. Upon returning to the United States, daughter Laura was born. Ultimately, they settled in San Mateo, Calif.
In 1980 Patricia returned to her hometown of Elmhurst, with her three children. While her daughters were in college Patricia pursued graduate studies in Psychology, earning her M.A. degree from The Adler Institute of Chicago. She thrived in the field, instrumental in helping many. Patricia was intelligent and skilled, positively impacting those whose lives she touched by her compassionate and caring way. She had a genuine gift of making others feel special. A voracious reader, art and music lover, her interests were ever present in her life. Patricia’s greatest joy was raising her three daughters. She was an unrelentingly kind, patient and supportive mother; she truly personified unconditional love. Her five grandchildren whom she watched grow brought her tremendous happiness. Her treasure of lifelong friends was full with deep connections and countless, wonderful memories. Patricia’s beauty and infectious spirit would illuminate any room she entered or company she kept. Forever present was the sparkle in her smiling blue eyes. She was truly one of a kind and will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered, always.
Patricia is survived by her daughters Anne Kerr, Jean Kerr and Laura (Ray) Walton, as well as grandchildren Jack (Ally), Kate, Grace, Elle and Audrey. She is preceded in death by her mother Lorraine, father Edward and siblings Kathleen Farlow, Edward Walsh, Terrence Walsh and James Walsh, all of whom she is now reunited with in Heaven.
A Mass with Patricia as the special intention will be held December 12, 2021 beginning at 9:00 a.m. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 134 Arthur Street, Elmhurst. Additionally, a Celebration of Life Memorial will be held in San Diego, Calif., date pending.
