With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of Roberta Kerr, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. A lifelong resident of Thunder Bay, she will be fondly remembered for her warm personality and the friendships she built with everyone around her. Her happiest moments were spent with family and grandchildren, as well as fishing at Northern Lights Lake.
Music played a significant role in her life. For many years, she performed throughout Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario with King Country and was an integral part of the local music community, collaborating with many popular artists. In 1985, she met her husband Don and began a wonderful new chapter in her life.
She continued to play with her band Sweetwind while working at Animal Services until her retirement in 2003. Even after retiring, you could find her and Don singing in church choirs, entertaining at seniors’ homes or joining jam sessions at Castlegreen and Vickers Heights. They hosted the Sunday evening jam session at Epiphany Lutheran Church for many years. Her clear and powerful voice will certainly be missed.
Roberta is survived by her husband of 38 years, Don; daughter Shannon (Connie) Tinsley; stepsons Ed (Angie) Tinsley and Robert Milne; stepdaughter Laurie Milne; grandchildren Lawrence, Jaeda, Jaxon, Jessica, Samantha and Rebecca; brother Mark (Kellee) Sedgwick; nieces Carolyn Sedgwick, Lisa (Clay) Palmer; nephews Marshall (Amanda) Sedgwick, Scott Kinch, Jeff (Azure) Kinch; along with numerous great nieces and nephews as well as cousins Carol Sabourin, Val (Jim) Chisholm, Doug Gallow; Don’s parents Marolyn Armstrong and Ross (Alice) Kerr; sisters-in-law Lorna (Travis) Kerr and Linda (Peter) Rille; foster daughter Kathy Johnston; plus many extended family members and close friends.
She was predeceased by her parents Stanley and Lillian Sedgwick; brother Joel; sister Patricia; nephew Shawn Kinch; sons Kelly and Robin Beck; stepson Thomas Tinsley. She was also predeceased by dear cousins Patricia Noble and Ron Mc Eachern.
Cremation has taken place. Funeral services are set for Friday, July 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Christ Lutheran Church located at 47 Walkover St., Thunder Bay. Interment will occur at a later date.
If desired, instead of flowers please consider donations to the Epiphany Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or a charity of your choice.
You can express your condolences through www. nwfainc. com
