Mavis Elizabeth Kerr

KERR, Mavis Elizabeth, 76, of Wilmot Township. Our lives end in the middle of our story, and this was not the story she was writing. We are saddened by the untimely and unexpected conclusion of Mavis’s story following a motor vehicle accident on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. Born during a blizzard on January 29, 1948, in Chatham, Ontario, Mavis lived a life full of passion and vitality, with a love of friends, food, and knowledge. Mavis, a farm girl at heart, spent her formative years on her family farm in Dresden, nurturing a deep curiosity about her world. An active member of 4-H, she went on to pursue studies in a wide variety of subjects. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Western University in 1968 and earned her medical degree from McMaster University in 1981. Her career spanned various fields, reflecting her broad interests and talents. She was a passionate science educator and entertainer at the Ontario Science Centre, which led her to roles on CBC TV, sharing her scientific knowledge on Alphabet Soup, What on Earth, and Tomorrow Now. Mavis was an engaging presenter. She also worked as a teacher, physician, canoe trip leader, resident naturalist, and, most recently, as a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist. Her diverse interests and contributions to science, education, and social activism are a testament to her inspiring and multifaceted life. In addition to her love of science, Mavis was also a patron of the arts, frequently attending institutions like the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), and the Stratford Festival. A social butterfly, she was deeply involved in several communities, particularly with the Grand River Unitarian Congregation. She was an intersectional feminist and social activist, fervently advocating for the environment, human rights, and the right to die with dignity. Art and science – particularly botany and zoology – factored deeply into her days, making Mavis known to many for her incredible gardens and love of birds. Ever the educator, she shared her plant and bird knowledge freely and enthusiastically. Her war on Garlic Mustard will live on. Her next chapter was to extend that war on the invasive Phragmites. Mavis was predeceased by her parents, Alma Pearl Kerr (née McGregor) and George Grant Kerr, sister Carol Hudgins (Bob), and former partner John McRuer. She is survived by her partner Larry Kryski; siblings Tom Kerr (Sharon) and chosen sister Renée Gorrell; her children Geordie McRuer (Rahel Nega) and Ian McRuer (Nicole Kuyten); stepchildren Anne McRuer, Sandy McRuer, Gillian Woodrooffe, Kyla Kryski (Steve Herzog), and James Kryski; grandchildren Amelie McRuer, Ronin Nega, Hailey and Aurora Herzog; and special to Mavis Ava and Arlo Martin, as well as countless friends, extended family members, sisterhoods, and communities who cherished her vibrant spirit. She delighted in them all. Mavis, affectionately known as "The Mave," was “a rad lady who did cool things,” leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her legacy of love, activism, and curiosity will continue to inspire all who knew her. Cremation will take place. Friends are invited to visit with the family at the FUTHER-FRANKLIN FUNERAL HOME, 1172 Henry Street, Wellesley on Tuesday, July 30 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Grand River Unitarian Congregation, 299 Sydney Street S., Kitchener on Friday, August 2, 2024, at 11 a.m. Reverend Jessica Rodela officiating. If desired, donations in Mavis’s memory may be made to Dying with Dignity, Avon Trail, or Nature Conservancy Canada would be appreciated. www.futher-franklinfuneralhome.com You may follow these links to donate online. You may also use debit or credit to donate at the funeral home. Dying with Dignity: www.dyingwithdignity.ca/donate/ Avon Trail: www.avontrail.ca/ Nature Conservancy of Canada: www.natureconservancy.ca/en/

Tributes

Mavis Elizabeth Kerr

January 29, 1948 - July 23, 2024