Teresa Kerr (Kaczmarek) FitzGerald

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 February 2019 at 9:53 am

Teresa “Terri” Kerr (Kaczmarek) FitzGerald, 57, of Irondequoit, passed away Feb. 15, 2019 at Highland Hospital, Rochester. She was born Dec. 10, 1961 in Buffalo to the late Harry and Delores (Gesl) Kaczmarek.

Teresa was a graduate of Kenmore East High School in Tonawanda in 1979, graduating a year early with her brother. Teresa worked for Rochester Picture Framing for 13 years before a heart surgery removed her from her job. She was the second president of RACE (Reaching Autistic Children Early), a grassroots organization, and because they helped her find her way, she tried to pay it forward for others. She was a member of the NVIC (National Vaccine Information Center) and was very well educated about this subject. She was an active participant in BCCR (The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester), and she thanked them for putting her back together again.

Teresa found great joy in photography, and in marrying it with picture framing. She enjoyed gifting her framed photographs and coloring other people’s worlds by changing their wall colors. She loved this planet with a passion, and the smallest beauties could bring her to tears (most things could do that). She loved to garden and to help others find joy in it also. Any time was a great time to sit with a friend with a glass of wine or have a party. She lived for her sons and was proud beyond words of them. Even though life handed her many challenges, she still believed “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Teresa is survived by her two sons, Ian and Kyle Kerr; partner, Peter Maushart – she was lucky to find him in such an unusual place, so close for so many years; her second mom, Barbara; siblings, Diane (Dave), Linda (Tim), Pam (Andy) and Heather (Kevin); many nieces and nephews; many good friends; and her chosen family.

Family and friends are invited on Thu., Feb. 21 from 2 to 6 p.m. to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 16650 State Route 31, Holley NY 14470, where her Celebration of Life Service will be held immediately following at 6 p.m.

Even though she loved flowers, contributions may be made in memory of her to Heritage Christian Services, 275 Kenneth Drive Suite 100, Rochester NY 14623; or to BCCR, 1048 University Ave., Rochester NY 14607; or to NVIC, 21525 Ridgetop Circle Suite 100, Sterling VA 20166; or to Marfans Foundation, 22 Manhasset Ave., Port Washington NY 11050.

To share a special memory of Terri, please visit www.christophermitchell.com.