Janet M. Kerr, 95, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully at Traverse Manor on December 3rd, 2025.

Janet was born on January 10, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan.

She was a beloved Kindergarten Teacher in Ypsilanti and Detroit for many years. She was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority and was very involved with the Cancer Society of Michigan. She spent many summers with her parents at their cottage on Little Traverse Lake, enjoying sunshine, sailing and the simplicity of lake life. After moving to Leland and later to Traverse City, she continued those traditions, creating new memories at the cottage with her own family and grandchildren.

Jan had a deep appreciation for music and the arts, and a lifelong love for animals. She enjoyed exploring all kinds of cuisine and no meal was complete without dessert. She found her greatest joy in traveling the world, collecting sand from her favorite beaches, and cherishing moments spent with her family.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents Lawson Andrew and Katherine (Packard) Wiles and her son Richard Clinton (“Clint”) Kerr II.

She is survived by her daughters Kathy (David) Easter and Karen (Dale) Inman; grandchildren Rich, Erin, Adam, Kaitlyn, Erika, Amy, and Kelly; and great grandchildren Kinsley, Charlotte, Noah, Myra, Eleanor, Kip, Weller, Jackson, and Callie.

She will be laid to rest at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte, Michigan.

A private celebration of life will be held with family.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Traverse City Philharmonic or to the Cherryland Humane Society.

“ Don’t cry because it’s over. Be glad what has happened. After many years of travel, this is my last one.” -Jan