Suzanne Mears Kerr

Suzanne Mears Kerr, beloved mother and great Navy wife, passed away peacefully on 1 April at the age of 88. Born in Philadelphia, she lived a life filled with caring for her family, moving them around the world, and sharing her generous spirit.

Suzanne was a remarkable woman and mother, leading her family alone to Japan and finding the absolute perfect home, moving to Guam in a time of social turmoil, and always providing a warm and loving home for family members and friends alike. She made home base in Pensacola, Jacksonville, Boston, Guam, San Francisco, Yokosuka, San Diego, Philadelphia, Virginia Beach, and a return to Philadelphia. After their Navy life concluded, she lived with her husband, cat, and some alligators in the wetland behind them in Hanahan, SC. After her husband's untimely passing, she lived in Boston, MA and Monterey, CA.

She delighted in being the unofficial hostess of the Navy side of Army-Navy games, even for occasional lost Army fans. Suzanne loved singing hymns, simple sermons, and short prayers. She also loved a good New Year's Eve conga line, she climbed Mt. Fuji, she had a pet alligator, and she had a live iguana for a Christmas tree topper. Her husband eventually convinced her to stop putting fascinating live creatures on his leg so he could see them, and she won a lengthy campaign against invading Japanese land crabs.

She is survived by her sister Margie, sons Bill and Jonathan, their wives Lisa and Cassie, and her grandchildren Aeden, Dakota, Nicholas, Georgia, Zoe, and Mae. She will be deeply missed by her devoted caregiver, Maria, and all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill.

A memorial service will be held on a date to be determined, and she will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery with her husband. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the USO or a local Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society in her memory.