HORSHAM woman Renae Kerr was a shining light in the lives of many who knew her.

Mrs Kerr was diagnosed with thymoma, a rare form of cancer, in 2010.

But her family said she refused to let cancer change her passion for life or her dedication to others, qualities she continued to show until her death on Sunday. She was 39.

Sister Sherri Hicks said Mrs Kerr had a way of touching the lives of everyone she met.

“She had a real sense of humour. She was able to find light in the saddest moments,” she said.

“Renae was always there to listen to others, whether it was someone who had lost someone or was facing a hard time.

“Even despite her situation, she was the one calling people to see if they were okay.”

After her diagnosis, Mrs Kerr’s friends and family organised a cabaret to raise money to help her fight the cancer.

Mrs Hicks said the $40,000 raised and the 500 people who attended the event were testament to how much the community respected Mrs Kerr. “She was someone people confided in and gravitated to,” she said.

“People would tell me, ‘I’ve told Renae things I’ve never told anyone before’.

“It could be family, colleagues, anyone. People just couldn’t get enough of her.”

Sister Katie Baker said Mrs Kerr was community-minded from an early age.

She enjoyed sport as a way of connecting with people.

Mrs Kerr was also devoted to her family – husband Michael and children Georgia, 10, Matthew, 8, and Amy, 5.

“She played footy when she was younger, and loved her netball, and waterskiing,” Mrs Baker said.

“In the past few years she really enjoyed going to the beach. That was her time to relax and have time out.

“She also loved spending time with her children.”

Mrs Kerr had a strong bond with her mother Elaine, particularly during the time after Mrs Kerr’s diagnosis.

“Our mum died of cancer in January 2012, so she and Renae had time together where they were both fighting the disease,” Mrs Hicks said.

“They were both nurses, so they could connect on that level, but they would also have their cancer jokes as well.

“Even in her final days, Renae was still making us laugh.”

Mrs Hicks said her family would always remember Mrs Kerr for her attitude to life.

“She could put a positive spin on anything,” she said.

“The doctor had just told her things were becoming critical and her time was coming to an end, and she said to me, ‘But Sherri, there are still people who are worse off’.”

Mrs Baker said her sister believed people should always be grateful for what they had.

“She was very big on making the most of every moment, and not being bitter and angry,” she said.

“She accepted her journey, and she was at peace.”

Mrs Kerr’s funeral will be at Horsham’s Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on Thursday.

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What a blessing it has been to know such a beautiful woman. Renee had the most gigantic heart and was one of the most gracious people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Her love for her family was so evident, she would light up speaking about them. Rest in peace Renee, Heaven has gained one of the best xx

Anna Marshall, Horsham

Renae you were a lively, friendly, funny and at the same time courageous girl. You put up a mighty fight rest now sweet girl.. Love to all her family.xx

Kay carr, Horsham

Thoughts are with Renae's family and close friends! Rest in Paradise xxx

Tayla Winfield, Horsham

Always a happy smiling face to greet you. Renae will be missed by everyone. You fought hard, xx

Renee Burns, Quantong

My heart goes to all the family,thinking of you all.

George Csordas, Horsham

Micheal and Famalies. Renae now Free.Thinking of you. Hold your Children close .Stay Strong.Love Robyn a Family.

Royn Rohde, Horsham

A long time since we've been at school together, but to know that your gone still hits so hard. Thinking of all your family and friends. Xxxx

Natalee Emery, Latrobe, Tasmania

Such a beautiful woman it was a pleasure to know Renae . So sad for her family we will be thinking of you all . Natalie and girls xx

Natalie baker, Mount clear

Thoughts are with all family members

Janice Pekin, Horsham

Rest peacefully Renae. I will always remember your smiling face & caring nature towards others xx

Tamara Hallam-Brook, Horsham

possibly the bravest, most inspirational woman I'll ever meet! Always asking about our family when all I could think of was her family! A beautiful woman inside and out xxx

Katie Walsgott, Horsham

Deepest sympathy to Michael, Georgia , Matthew, Amy and all extended families and friends of Ranae from all members of the homers sporting club . Our thoughts are with you all .

Homers sports club, Horsham

My sincerest condolences to Renae's family.

Lillia D'Agostin, Horsham

Renae you have touched the lives of so many and will forever be in people's hearts. Rest knowing you have an amazing family who will carry on your legacy.

Meran Pilmore, Dimboola

What an amazingly selfless and vibrant woman. Anyone who ever crossed paths with her would have a nice story to tell. Forever remembered with a smile xx

Lauren Monaghan, Horsham

What a wonderful brave lady. Sympathy to the whole family

Sandy Wills, Horsham

Thinking of you all at this time. Stay strong and remember the beautiful memories.

Tenneille Barry, Horsham

Deepest condolences to Renaes family. Such a sad time thoughts and prayers with you all.

Leona Grant, Melbourne

The most beautiful, selfless lady. You never complained and always thought of others before yourself. Our School Girls Dinners will never be the same without you. Lots of love to Michael, Georgia, Matthew and Amy, your Dad, sisters Sherri and Katie and brother Heath, and their families. You are now free of pain and suffering and reunited with your beloved Mum. We will miss you xxoo

Simone, Brett and Jonte Brain, Horsham

A special lady now a rest will miss her beautiful smile thoughts are with her beautiful family

Janice Tepper, Murtoa

My little sister Cella is friendly with Renaes daughter Georgia, Cella and I send our love out to the Kerr family and hope your family is ok. She was such a great women with a lot of courage, she will be greatly missed

Layla Atherton

Renae you were such a gorgeous soul, loved by everyone.

Spread your angel wings and fly high xxx

Robyn Smith, PIMPINIO

Renee Home with Jesus and our Mums. Loved being your Prayer Partner and getting to know you. You had a beautiful encouraging way of looking at life and encouraging others xx

Jeanette Basset-Pearse, Donald

Renae was such a beautiful person. She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her. Every time you saw her she would always have a smile on her face even during her hardest times. Now a beautiful angel to watch over your family and friends. RIP 

Nicole Fischer, Horsham

What an amazing, inspiring, strong and beautiful woman you were... Every time I saw you no matter what was going on with you, you always had a smile and a laugh... May we all learn to be more like you, to complain less and be more grateful... You will be missed xxx

Katrina Hughan, Horsham

A beautiful and courageous young Lady taken to soon.Our thoughts and prayers are with all Renaes' loved ones

Rhonda Baker, Horsham

What a beautiful girl, a beautiful soul. How privileged we are to have known you, indeed to have worked with you Renae. My love and sympathies to Michael and your 3 babies. There really are no words. X

Meg Ker (Smith), Sunshine Coast

You were an inspiration Renae. I feel privileged to have known and worked with you. You will be remembered and missed.

Janet Johnson Haven

My life is so much richer for having known you Renae.

Sue Starbuck, Horsham

Deepest Sympathy to Renae's loving family. Reunited with her loving mum.

faye fereday, Horsham

Renae's beautiful, cz

Janette McCabe, Horsham

I have found memories of working with you at Wimmera Nursing Home. A beautiful person, wonderful nurse & always there to help others.

You fought this evil big C with gusto & never complained.

A beautiful lady taken too soon.

Love & thoughts to your beautiful family, I will miss you Renee as I miss your Mum.

Say hello to her for me.

Alison Foster, Dooen

Loving thoughts to her family. There are no words, just silent prayers.

Dianne McIntyre, Horsham

When Renae smiled at you it felt like she wrapped you in her joy for life. Even afterward the warmth would stay with you. I will remember that happy feeling whenever I think of her. My deepest sympathy to all Renae's beautiful family and the many who loved her.

Sophie Ingoldsby, Horsham

Loved this girl. What an awesome chick! We used to purposefully do our obs round together just so we could hang out when we were on the same shift in Horsham... Still my best ever nursing memories. She was so much fun. So sad that this beautiful girl is no longer in this world... I have such a heartache to think about it...

Joanna Werner, Nhill

Dear Renae,

I will always remember you being such a kind and gentle soul! U also had a strength that only people faced with difficult diseases (such as cancer) can understand. Ur strength to play footy against the boys in primary school was admired by many including myself.

We may not have seen each other past our primary and secondary school years, but we still kept in touch and chatted occasionally. Unfortunately, we had a link by our rare and aggressive cancers. I really wished that urs was just as easy to treat as mine.

So on Sunday, a new star with ur name on it, was added to our universe! Rest in peace Renae.

Condolences to Renae's family and friends

Kerri Birch (Krause) Caboolture, QLD

Remembered for her positive attitude to life

Bernie Taylor, Natimuk

RIP Renae...beautiful lady..beautiful soul..xx

Jenny Lawes, Horsham

What a beautiful mother, wife, sister and friend.... RIP Renae...Thoughts and prays to Renae's husband, children and family at this sad time…

Kelli, Heathcote

She was an amazing lady. Our thoughts are with Dennis and the family

Beverley & Robert Wills, Rosebud

RIP Renae

Such a beautiful person xxxx

Christine Puls, Horsham

What a beautiful person renae is. A true fighter, she lit up the lives of so many people. Her caring, kindhearted nature to enjoy life even in the hardest moments brings a tear to my eye. She always was so happy with life. I am so blessed to have renae come across my path. It makes you see your lifein a whole different aspect. You are now at peace in heaven with your mum. Xxxx

rebecca treloar, Horsham

To all of Renae's family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You are so blessed to have loved & been loved by this inspirational lady. May the memories of Renae bring you joy, comfort and strength.

Robyn Gibson, Ballarat

Our rene will be sadly missed she was a inspiration to everyone that new this darling person I will miss my beautiful sister in law and great mate going to miss her dearly injoy you new wings little angel

Rod jenkins, Horsham

Even though I didn't know you personally, I know you through my cousin Kayelene McCallum. I also knew your grandparents. You are now at peace in God's loving arms.

Margaret Modra, Aberfoyle Park SA

Such a beautiful courageous women.

There was never a moment with Renae that you wouldn't have a laugh. She was so bright and friendly always.

Will always think of her woth the fondest of memories.

LaShay, Shepparton

Rest in Peace Renae..

Vibha, Warracknabeal

My thoughts are with you all who remain to mourn Renae. You all will be charged with keeping her alive for her children.

Rest now, darling girl.

Mother and daughter reunited.

Polly, North Melbourne

So sad to hear of your loss, thinking of you all at this time

Andrea Pumpa, Horsham

So much love for her and the whole family! You're all beautiful people who are greatly respected! Cheers to Renae, a beautiful lady with a huge love for life and all those around her! Hugs and kisses all round xoxo

Anonymous

So sorry to hear.. u were a good customer at peachs. . Condolences to the family xx

Mandi.. Murtoa

I remember the Kelm family very well from primary school. They are all such beautiful people. My heart goes out to them, it's so sad ?

Karrianne Poswiat, Terrigal

Beautiful soul at peace. Thoughts with your family xx

Vicks, horsham

Lots of love to you all xxxx

Rob and Elaine Johns, Mc Kay, Queenland

Rest in peace Renae.

I heard about you through my friend Gen.

I found you amazing and beautiful person.

I never met you but yet I thought you were such a beautiful soul.

You will be missed but never forgotten!

Yllka Wickham, Baulkham Hills

You will be sadly missed Renae.

Condolences to your family.

RIP xxx

Julie Lumley, Drung

A very cherished family member . A true fighter ,our hearts go out to all your families and friends a this truely sad time. RIp dear Renae. I am sure your very special families wilĺ help raise your dear little ones and support Michael.

sally Bertram, Horsham

God bless precious spirit, may you always have joy on your side, thanks

jo

Was an honour and pleasure to have met and worked along side Renae and her mother Elane. Two beautiful soles that were loved and respected by all who new them. Rest in peace Renae.

Tania Magor, Horsham

so saddened to hear of Renae's passing.....I may not have known her personally, but I walked her journey through others. May your family find comfort through God and others....and may the precious memories bring smiles to your loved one's faces.

Shirl Hair, Horsham

Sending you all my love xxxx

Annie Murray, Geelong

Renae you were a good friend, you will be missed but not forgotten!

Clare Mintern, Horsham

Rest in peace Renae. You are an inspiration to all that knew you. My thoughts and prayers to all your family. Lisa ward xo

Lisa ward, Horsham

To our beautiful family, deepest sympathy, we are sorry we can be there today to say goodbye. Our thoughts are with you all. To the gorgeous Renae, may you fly high with the Angels xxxx

Julie Loats, Tooleybuc

My thoughts & prayers to all Renae's family/s. Fond memories of time spent in Renae's Warrnambool Uni years when she resided with we three Delaney girls. Thinking of you all.

Lisa Delaney- Smith, Mt Barker SA