Mary Beirne (Kerr) Nutt

Remembering a dear friend Mary Beirne (Kerr) Nutt

Mary Beirne (Kerr) Nutt died September 4, 2021 at her residence in Staunton following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was born on October 22, 1940, in Staunton to the late Hugh Holmes Kerr, Jr. and Mary Beirne (Jones) Kerr. Mary Beirne grew up at “Waverley” and was a graduate of Stuart Hall School in Staunton and Converse College in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Mary Beirne was a dear friend, mentor, and history leader to those in the Society. She served as the Augusta County Historical Society’s president in 2002 and 2003, but her service to the society and her dedication to the preservation of history and the telling of our community’s story was a lifelong passion of hers. She was involved with the Society for decades on committees, as a board member and advisor, and as a participant in our myriad activities and events. In 2013 we presented her with the Society’s highest honor — The Distinguished History Service Award. 

Mary Beirne had an encyclopedic memory when it came to history and especially genealogy. She could not be stumped when it came to genealogy questions. She had a dry wit and a way of stating something without being dismissive.

Mary Beirne married Robert Hasbrouck Nutt in October 1962 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Staunton. She was the seventh generation member of her family to worship at Trinity. Mary Beirne and Bob lived in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania, New York City, and Chatham, New Jersey, before returning with their two children to Staunton in 1977. While in New Jersey, Mary Beirne was an active member of the Junior League and the League of Women Voters.

Upon moving back to Staunton, Mary Beirne devoted herself to a variety of artistic, educational, historical and genealogical organizations. She served as President of the Staunton Fine Arts Association where she loved the annual “Art in the Park” event at Gypsy Hill Park and the “Art for Gifts” holiday shop. She was also a proud member of the Class of ‘57 at Stuart Hall School and served on its Alumnae Council. She was delighted when, in 2012, the school named her “Miss Stuart Hall” and gave her a crown and a bouquet of long-stemmed, red roses. The roses wilted in time, but she loved wearing that crown!

Having deep roots in Staunton and Augusta County meant Mary Beirne believed in the importance of historical preservation, research and education. In addition to her work with the Augusta County Historical Society, her love of history extended to family histories as well and she was active in various genealogical associations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution (where she served as Registrar of the Beverley Manor Chapter), the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Edward Howell Family Association.

In addition to these organizations, Mary Beirne was an avid reader and music-lover. Mary Beirne treasured her time working at the Staunton Public Library. Working at the Library combined her love of books with her love of people. Many people have fond memories of Mary Beirne’s friendly face behind the counter and her enthusiasm for reading. She also adored attending Heifetz and other community concerts with her husband Bob, and they could often be seen sitting together in the front row enjoying the music.

Mary Beirne leaves behind her husband Bob of nearly fifty-nine years; her children Mary Beirne Touchstone of New York City and Robert Hasbrouck Nutt II of Virginia Beach; her grandson Daniel Evan Young and his wife Laura of Waynesboro, Virginia; her granddaughter-in-law Kali Ann Stern of Vacaville, California; and her great-granddaughters Claire Emma Young and Elizabeth Rose Stern. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and her four siblings: Hugh Holmes Kerr III and his wife Ida of Miami, Florida; Sara Evelyn (Kerr) Hunt and her husband David of New Canaan, Connecticut; Elizabeth (“Tizzy”) Antoinette Kerr and her husband Buddy Swint of Charlottesville, Virginia; and Junius Edward Kerr of Albuquerque, New Mexico. In addition to her parents, Mary Beirne was preceded in death by her grandson David Robert Stern.