Sherri J. Carr (Kelly), obituary
Sherri J. Carr (Kelly) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 27, with her loving husband by her side.
Sherri was born on May 10, 1974, at Pen Bay Hospital to her parents, June Kelly Robbins and Dennis Ray. She grew up in Warren, Maine with her mother, her stepfather Jimmy, and her sister Holly. Sherri absolutely loved spending time with her beloved Nanny and Papa, who held a very special place in her heart.
Sherri lived with hydrocephalus (“water on the brain”), which caused severe chronic headaches, vision problems, and mild cognitive deficits. These challenges never defined her. Sherri faced more adversity in her life than most, yet she persevered, reached her goals, and made her family incredibly proud.
Because she spent much of her childhood at her Nanny’s house —her favorite place to be— Sherri was especially close with her four uncles. She loved arts and crafts, New Kids on the Block, and spending time with family. Sherri adored Snoopy, Care Bears, and Mickey Mouse, and she was especially fond of her trip to Disney World in 1994. Graduating high school was just one of the many achievements Sherri proudly accomplished.
In September of 1999, Sherri began working at MBNA in the Support Services Department. She remained with the company through its transition to Bank of America, dedicating an impressive 26 years of service. During that time, she formed lifelong friendships with coworkers and managers. It was also there that she met the love of her life, her husband of 19 years, John-Paul Carr (JP).
Sherri and JP rented a home in Camden and built a life together, breaking stigmas and proving that disabilities do not prevent people from achieving their dreams. Sherri and JP soon moved to Belfast, where they are well known as locals in the community. They were married on May 13, 2006, surrounded by family and friends at the most beautiful wedding filled with love and joy.
Sherri took great pride in going to work every day. While managing her debilitating migraines, frequent nausea, and then later her chronic kidney disease, she continued to show up with determination and strength. Many would not have been able to endure what she did, but Sherri was not most people—she was truly extraordinary.
Wrestling was always a big part of Sherri’s life—it runs deep in the Kelly blood. She grew up watching her uncles wrestle and later cheering them on as coaches. WWE wrestling has always been a favorite interest of JP, and when he introduced it to Sherri, it quickly became something she adored. Together, they loved watching wrestling and attending live local events with friends.
Sherri also looked forward each year to participating in the Special Olympics, a journey she began in 1993 and continued year after year with JP by her side. She loved the softball throw and the 100-meter dash, and in more recent years found a new favorite in the shot-put event.
Sherri loved going to the movies and going out to eat with her husband and friends. A recent trip to Bar Harbor for Sherri and JP held special meaning, and the memories made there will never be forgotten. Many people didn’t know that Sherri loved horror movies, especially the Nightmare on Elm Street and Halloween series. She also enjoyed true crime documentaries, The Waltons, and Little House on the Prairie. Sherri even introduced JP to Lifetime movies—something they came to enjoy together.
Above all, Sherri deeply loved her family, especially welcoming the new babies who joined it over the years. She was the one who reminded everyone about daylight savings, about bad weather on the horizon, gave a call to remind us of birthdays and anniversaries; she wasn't one to forget a date. Sherri spoke with her mom on the phone every night before June passed away, and she continued that cherished tradition with other family members—a presence that is now profoundly missed.
Sherri was predeceased by her loving mother, June Robbins; her mother-in-law, Donna Ward; two cousins, Casey and Katie Kelly; and her beloved Nanny and Papa, Patricia and Austin Kelly.
Sherri is survived by her loving husband of 19 years, John-Paul Carr; her sisters, Holly Young and her husband Alden and their children Taylor and Ryan, and Ashley Stokes and her husband Alan; her brother, Chris Ray, and his five children; her brothers-in-law, Frankie Carr and Joseph Carr; her four uncles, John Kelly and his wife Terrie, Gene Kelly and his wife Julie, Patrick Kelly and his wife Meaghan, and Jack Kelly and his wife Erika; along with many cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who loved her deeply.
A celebration of Sherri's life will be held Monday, February 16, 2026, at Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast, ME 04915. Friends and family may begin gathering at 10 a.m.
Memories and condolences may be shared on her tribute wall at ripostafh.com.

