Dorothy C. Kerr

AUBURN — Dorothy C. “Dot,” “Dottie” Kerr, 91, passed away at home with family by her side Sunday, Jan. 28.

Dorothy was born in Lewiston on Feb. 5, 1926, a daughter of Edith Estes and Earle M. Chesley Sr. She was educated in the Auburn school system, graduating valedictorian of the Edward Little High School Class of 1944. While in high school she served as class president in her sophomore year, vice president in her senior year, was very active in many extracurricular activities and played the clarinet in the ELHS band. She was a member of the Class of 1944 Reunion Committee throughout the years, the last one being the 70th in 2014.

She attended Simmons College in Boston, where she received a B.S. degree in business in 1948.

On Aug. 2, 1947, she wed Charles E. Kerr Jr. Dottie and Chuck first met in the fifth grade while attending ballroom dance lessons and were married 67 years prior to Chuck’s passing in August 2014.

Over the years Dorothy worked part time as an educational tutor, a substitute teacher and secretary.

Dorothy was a homemaker who kept an impeccable and inviting home. She was an excellent cook. She loved music, playing the piano daily as a solo or joining her daughter Diana in a duet. She was an avid reader with an affinity for literature and enjoyed her daily crossword puzzles. She took great pride in being involved in her children’s academic, sports and extracurricular activities. Whenever they had an event, she was there participating and cheering them on. She also loved animals and never refused her children an extra pet or two, even opening her home to a baby squirrel, horses, chickens, hamsters, cats and dogs. She never missed an opportunity to foster imagination and creativity in the home.

The family enjoyed both ocean and fresh water activities, camping, especially with all of the neighborhood families, cross country and downhill skiing, and traveling the U.S. and eastern Canada. Dorothy spent many winter weekends at Sunday River Ski Area. She and Chuck took a trip to Europe to visit their daughter Andrea and enjoyed following their son Randy during his cross-country skiing career. She also traveled with Adele on a “sister” vacation to Barbados.

She was a lifelong member of High Street Congregational Church and was very active in The Guild. She was also involved in numerous clubs and organizations, at times holding official positions. Some of these include: Auburn Art Club, CMMC Woman’s Hospital Association, Woman’s Literary Union, College Club, Bridge Club and Sewing Club.

She is survived by her children, Charles E. Kerr III and wife, Jane; Andrea Hebert and husband, David; Diana Pontbriand and husband Robert; seven grandchildren: Tyler Kerr and wife Kristen, Kevin Hebert and wife Angela, Sarah Embry and husband Brad, Erin Breau and husband Christian, Alyson Farrington and husband Craig, Matthew Pontbriand and Tina Abelli, Daniel Pontbriand and wife Krissy; 14 great-grandchildren: Kylie, Chelsea, Griffin, Trevor, Coley, Kerrstin, Braden, Aiden, Isaac, Dustin, Kara, Royer, August and Logan; who is due to arrive in June; one great-great granddaughter: Bella; nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, her parents, a brother, Bud Chesley, a sister, Adele Chesley Fyfe, a sister-in-law, Louise Kerr Miles and her beautiful infant granddaughter, Rachel.

The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation and love to all who supported us in so many ways during this time.

Online condolences, thoughts and prayers for the family can be left at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.