Marjorie "Midge" Isabel Kerr (née Simmons)
May 23, 1936 to May 22, 2026
Obituary
Passed peacefully away in her sleep on the morning of May 22nd, just one day shy of her 90th birthday.
Predeceased by husband Robert, middle son Ian, brother Ray Simmons, parents Gertrude (Raymond) and Bertram Simmons, her mother and father-in-law Isabella (Ross) and William Kerr, brothers-in-law George Babich, Ian Kerr and Blythe Wilson, and sister-in-law Margaret Wilson (Kerr).
Leaving to celebrate her life are eldest son Andrew and youngest son Brian (Tanya), beloved daughter-in-law Kathy, cherished grandsons William (Keelin Tucker) and David, her sister and life-long best friend Ruth Babich, nephews Michael (Colleen), Mark (Jane), and niece Deborah (a.k.a., “The Sugarbush Lane Crowd”), her sister-in-law Lorraine Simmons (Garf) and nieces Kathy (Fred Hubley), Nancy (Sheldon Steeves), Ruth (Millard Steeper), Jane (Ernie Squires), and nephew Paul (Linda Kendall) (a.k.a., “The O’Reilly Street Gang”), nephew Kerr Wilson, and nieces Ailsa Wilson and Fiona Masters, as well as their extended families. Also leaving to mourn a remaining close circle of faithful teaching buddies from St. Andrew’s Elementary school, and many valued friends and neighbours whom she valued and remained connected with over the years.
A graduate of Prince of Wales College and Memorial University’s Faculty of Education, Midge’s dedicated teaching career stretched over 30-years with the Avalon Consolidated School Board starting in 1956 at MacPherson Academy, Holloway School, Blackall Memorial Elementary, and St. Andrew’s Elementary schools. She was an active member of the St. Andrew’s Boy Scout Group Ladies Auxiliary and longtime supporter of St. James United Church. Midge had a passion for music, reading, travel and her Monday night gatherings with the Card Club Girls.
She lived her life with a fascination for personalities of the people and places that surrounded her. Family, friendships and even the person with whom there may be a brief encounter on the street or in a shop were all valuable gifts. She never questioned or paused when it came to generously offering her time, wisdom, and compassion. Midge is fondly remembered as one who rarely failed to acknowledge any special occasion or milestone. Her superpower was a mind like a steel trap for faces, names, dates, accompanied by a keen ability to make connections. Known for her warm smile and frequent infectious laughter, as well as that popular and famous Simmons sense-of-humour. There was always a story of adventure, quite often misadventure sprinkled with drama, pandemonium, and a generous helping of comedy usually at her own expense. This is what drew everyone to her. She will certainly be missed.
Many thanks to the staff at both the Kenny’s Pond and Chancellor Park retirement homes for their tremendous attention, support, and loving care during the last chapter of Midge’s life.
Given her passion for and lifelong commitment to teaching and learning, especially that of reading, and her dedication to enabling such opportunities for all, donations in her memory can be made to the Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (https://www.ldanl.ca/) or a charity of one’s choice.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation for family and friends will be at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 from 2-5p.m. and 7-9p.m. with a private inurnment to follow at a later date.
“How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong, because someday in your life you will have been all of these.”
— George Washington Carver
Schedule
Visitations
2-5 p.m. on June 9, 2026
7-9 p.m. on June 9, 2026
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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Dear Andy, Brian, Tanya, Cathy and cherished family members,
It’s always hard to lose someone so special like your Mom; she will surely be missed. We are out of the country but are keeping you close in our thoughts.
Sincerely, David and Pamela Snow
I first met Midge at Kenny’s Pond when I would deliver her newsletter from St James. She instantly became a favorite to visit. I would always allow extra time or make her my last so we could sit and chat. She was such a gracious lady, interested in everything you had to say and full of news of her sons and grandsons. In true Newfoundland style, we found connections outside of the church community. My sister, Sandra had 2 boys who attended St Andrews and Sandra did a lot of volunteering there. Midge remembered her and the boys well. She would always ask after them with genuine interest. My visits ended during Covid shutdown but I often thought of her whenever I would pass by Kenny’s Pond. Condolences to all the family on the loss of such a lovely lady.
Brian and Andy, we were so sad to hear about your mom’s passing. She was such a wonderful lady, I have fond memories of visiting your home in high school/ university years, she was always so welcoming..Our deepest sympathies to you and your families’s
Condolences to the Kerr family. Mrs. Kerr taught me grade five at MacPherson Academy. She was a wonderful teacher and one of my very favourite teachers. I met her at Kenny’s Pond one day and we had a lovely chat that gave me the opportunity to tell her this. Barbara Budden Skinner.
To Brian and Andrew, Wishing for cherished memories for you and your families after the passing of your Mum.
To Andy, Brian/Tanya, Cathy and all the Kerr and Simmons families. My heart is broken to lose my life long best friend. The Ryan’s and the Kerr’s were the first families to move to Exmouth St. in 1964. Midge was my best friend and confident for all these years. Keep all those beautiful memories close to your heart ♥ I love you midge! Rest in peace with your loved ones! Special mention of your darling son Ian who passed ten years ago. All my love to all the family. Lana. 🙏♥️
Brian, Tanya, William and David,
Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your Mom, Mother-in-law and Grandmother. We are thinking of you during this sad time.
Sending my sincere condolences to Midge’s family. I was a colleague of Midge’s at St. Andrew’s from 1981 until her retirement. She was such a kind, caring teacher. A conversation with Midge always left me feeling calm and upbeat. I hope your happy memories of Midge will comfort you in the days ahead.
Paula Cramm
Andrew – Brian and -Families sincere sympathy on the passing of your beloved Mom and my life long
friend. Cherish the love she gave you and the many wonderful memories you shared with your devoted
parents
Our heartfelt condolences to Andy, Brian, Tanya , the Kerr and Simmons families. Midge was a wonderful, caring friend, teacher and confidant. There are so many wonderful memories: chats about family and teaching; visits with Ruth; Erika ,in her cot, while we shared meals and watched The Thorn Birds; her amazing ability to remember all her students names and where they sat(Macpherson reunion); the visit to your dad’s home in Scotland. Most of all her kindness, her joy in keeping up with our family and receiving pictures of our daughters and granddaughters. She will continue to live within our hearts.
Marg, Tom, Erika and Megan
Brian & family,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. Thinking of you and your family and wishing you peace, during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Kelly Penton
Andy and Brian, I’m so sorry to hear this. Aunt Midge was always a happy person and I’ll always remember her smile and laughter. My mom (Peggy Hudson (Bursey)) and Aunt Midge were very close friends that grew up together at Prince of Wales collegiate. My dad and Uncle Bob (Kerr) also become close friends. I can remember so many nights with so much laughter with your family. Please accept my condolences, and shared love for your mom and whole family. Regards Lewis (and Jeff).. Andrew please email me when you have time.
So sorry to hear about Midge’s passing. Thinking of you all during this difficult time, and hoping the many memories you shared together bring you comfort in the days ahead. Sending heartfelt condolences.
Brian, Andy and families, I am sad to hear of your Mom’s passing. Ed & I have fond memories of being neighbors with your family on Exmouth Street. She was so kind She was beautiful inside and out. It amazed me how she could use makeup to enhance her natural beauty .
We are so sorry for your loss.Such a full wonderful life. We send our heartfelt condolences
Sue and Blair Tucker
Brian, Andy, and all the family
Please accept my condolences on your loss. I have fond memories of Mrs Kerr from our Exmouth Street days, and she was a great friend to my mother. I know your family memories will be a great comfort to you all.
My sincere condolences to the family, . Mrs Kerr was my grade 5 teacher@ MacPherson Academy in 1956, I have wonderful memories of her as she was such a caring teacher! She taught us how to sew & knit & crafts!which I made good use of over the years!!
We are saddened to learn of Midge’s passing. She taught our son, Jason, at St. Andrews Elementary School, and we still reminisce about her kind and thoughtful attitude towards her students. She was indeed a gifted teacher. Our condolences to her family and friends. May she rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to all of Midge’s family.
Midge and the Simmons family were very important and much admired by my late father.
Midge always had a smile and a warm hello when she and I met.
May she Rest in Peace.
Ann Chafe
Brian and Andy,
Sending you deepest sympathy on the loss of your wonderful mother. Our families will be forever connected and hold a place of importance in my childhood memories.
Take very good care,
Deborah (Brown) Keefe
Our condolences to Bryan,, Tanya and the Kerr families.our thoughts and prayers,may she rest in peace…
Brian, Andy and family, my sincere condolences. I recall many evenings at.your house on Exmouth watching movies and WGB “on-tape”. Your mom was always very warm and inviting. I remember her fondly.
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, Brian. I never got the opportunity to meet your mother, but I feel that I got to know her a little through your stories. Thinking of you and your family.