Irene Kerr

Irene Kerr (nee Darnell). 

“So, isn’t this better anyways? Now Grandma can be with God.”—Elle, great-granddaughter, 4. We are sad to announce that our wife, mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister, aunt, and friend has passed from this life into eternity at the age of 88. Irene was the beloved wife of John, Mom to Cheryl (Todd) and Kim (Chris), Grandma to Matthew (Olivia), Joel (Meggan), Emilie (Jordan), Andrew, and Luke (Cam), Great-Grandma to Annie, Wren, Elle, Wesley, Juliette, Silas, Penelope, and a soon-to-arrive baby boy. Irene was born in Toronto on January 30, 1938, to Samuel and Nora Darnell, and was the fourth of nine children. She is survived by her sisters, Joan, Margaret, and Dorothy, and her brother Bruce, and predeceased by her brothers Stan, Art, and David, and her sister Grace. Irene was married to John for 65 years, and they were together in the moment she left this world. Her life can be described as having a deep devotion to her family and to serving others. She was always busy with something. The last 24 hours of her life, while not feeling well, included being in worship on Sunday, gathering with the family that evening, making pancakes Monday morning for her and John, and doing some laundry before she passed. That was her in a nutshell. In 1967, John and Irene helped launch Centennial Baptist Church in Markham. When they moved to Barrie in 2015, they became part of the Harvest Bible Chapel family, never missing a service in person or online. They also loved attending the seniors’ group at Emmanuel Church. Irene will be dearly missed by all. A memorial service will be held at Harvest Bible Chapel, 7 George Street, Barrie at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations should be made to Harvest Bible Chapel or the Markham-Stouffville Hospital Foundation. A private family interment will take place. “To live is Christ, and to die is gain”—Philippians 1:21.