Laurel Kerr lived 94 years of a full, inquisitive life as an independent thinker, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother always caring for and helping others. Her childhood in Greencastle Indiana during the Great Depression provided her with a thorough understanding of how to make due with what was available while always ensuring she excelled at every task and challenge.

As a teenager, she noticed a handsome young lad next door to her grandparents home and soon decided they should spend their lives together, marrying John R. Kerr once he returned from Germany after World War II. She supported him while obtaining his bachelor's degree and teaching certificate which eventually lead to a job in Brownsburg where they have lived since except for a year's excursion to Fort Benning Georgia during the Berlin Crisis in the early 1960s.

Laurel was fully dedicated to motherhood, first birthing daughter Lynne and soon after Paula. Sons Brian and Chris followed a few years later. Raising healthy, intelligent children was a priority. Scrimping and saving, she and John ensured a good education through attendance at a local parochial school, St. Malachy's even though she was a practicing member of the local Calvary Methodist church.

She had great love for and pride in her family. Her children learned how to become critical, independent thinkers using the same skills and approach to life she demonstrated every day often reinforcing the need to "Do it right or not at all!" She was infamous about her dedication to proper grammar and diction which is understandable for someone whose mother was a school teacher.

Her inner strength and faith in the Lord were essential when cancer ended the life of her eldest daughter, Lynne at age 20. The continuing support of so many caring Calvary Methodist church members over her life provided a calming touchstone every day. She was always thankful.

After successfully teaching and leading her children into their own independent lives, she decided to return to work after thirty years. Another example of her fearless approach to life. She knew she would be successful and she was. Helping run a business wasn't so different from running a household!

Once John was able to retire, she joined him and they stayed very busy helping to build Habitat for Humanity homes and churches through a Calvary Methodist program. They also travelled to world wide destinations as Mom was always wanting to explore and learn about others. Shared family vacations at various locations around the US or traveling with friends kept them active. They also enjoyed playing volleyball together into their mid 80s.

Unfortunately, a stroke several years ago limited her ability to embrace life the way she wanted as well as her mobility, spending the last few years at home with John with the assistance of their caretaker, Chana and her dog, Bandit whom was always greeted by Laurel with grateful appreciation.

She touched many lives all of whom will miss her dearly but John, the boy from next door, her husband of 75 years will be missing her the most.

Survivors include her husband John R. Kerr; daughter Paula Kerr; sons Brian(Bobbi Jo) Kerr; Christopher (Wendy) Kerr; Grandchildren Nicole, Ricky, Kyle, Thomas and Taylor, Great grandchildren Lauren, Macie, Rosie, Aurora and Remington. She was preceded in death by her parents Gerald and Mildred Mason; brother Edward; daughter Lynne Kerr Dill.

Visitation will be from 10am to 12 noon Friday  July 1st at Calvary United Methodist Church, Brownsburg, with funeral services at 12 noon.  In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to your local Habitat for Humanity group.