Kerry’s Story

Site created on June 22, 2021

Kerry Jeanne Doyle passed away today, July 11, 2021. (Journal entry posted.)

Kerry’s  final journey began in late April. She had been healthy and strong, working out with a personal trainer twice a week and using her  treadmill daily since December, when she and Mom (Lois) arrived in San Diego. She  joyfully received both of her COVID-19 vaccines and was counting down the two-week waiting period so she could safely fly back to South Dakota, to spend the summer and fall in Vermillion. Kerry became ill with a cough and dizzy spells and couldn’t get better on her own. She was admitted to the ER in Encinitas, where she and Mom live, and began  extensive testing. She was on oxygen, had extremely low blood pressure, and passed out when she sat up or stood. The doctors' focus seemed to center around her heart, but they were unable to reach a diagnosis. Kerry spent the entire month of May in the hospital before finally being released to a skilled nursing facility in San Diego. Things started to improved for her over the two weeks she was there. We visited her daily, maneuvering around the strict COVID safely restrictions and bringing her Starbucks lattes, pastries and lunches. Soon she was able to sit up, get out of a chair or bed, and take a few steps on her own. We could envision her return to Volney Lane.   On the evening of June 13, while taking a few steps on her own, Kerry lost her balance, fell, and hit the back of her head. As a precaution, she was taken to nearby Scripps Mercy Hospital. X-rays revealed something suspicious on the frontal lobe of her brain, above her right eye, and she was admitted. In subsequent tests, no  growths were found on her other organs, so a brain biopsy was required. A tumor was discovered, so the surgeon removed as much of it as possible and sent tissue samples for testing. On  June 18, Kerry heard the the devastating words: “glioblastoma tumor,” “terminal, “hospice.” The world stopped revolving for all of us.   In the following 23 days -- yes, 23 days, Kerry & Mom met with doctors, oncologists, palliative doctors, hospice coordinators and chaplains to discuss options. Kerry  made the brave decision to build up her strength again through hospice care, instead of losing additional strength through the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy. A nasal feeding tube was inserted to provide temporary nutrients while Kerry worked to become strong enough to safely swallow again.   There as a trip from hospital to nursing home, to condo, to ER, to condo, to ER to condo and the final trip to the ER. Through it all, Kerry demonstrated her deep strength and faith, as well as her sense of humor. Mom at her side, sought the best possible care for Kerry. Both of them deserve a gold medal for perseverance!


You can find several photos in the gallery, and we'll be adding more. Mom would welcome your prayers and words of encouragement here on Caring Bridge or at 326 Volney Lane, Encinitas, CA 92024. The "Share" tab above can be used to share this site with others who may be interested. Thank you.

Newest Update

Final Post - Thank You

Journal entry by Chris Doyle —

It is hard to believe that we have completed our week long celebration of life in honor of Kerry Doyle. The entire Doyle entourage made the trip from Vermillion to Rapid City Thursday afternoon after the funeral without any issues. We then reassembled Friday morning at Mt Calvary Cemetery to complete the  journey to Kerry's final resting place. We were blessed by a number of friends who gathered with us that morning. Tom Haggerty & Hannah Katz from Rimrock Church sang Amazing Grace and then Decon Denny Davis from St Agnes Church in Vermillion shared his final thoughts regarding Kerry's life. He then said a blessing and we all joined together to sing I'll Fly Away. The ceremony ended with each member of the family placing a small amount of dirt on top of the urn. Rimrock Church then hosted our group for lunch and more song. 

We all assembled at Chris & Beth's recently remodeled house which allowed 38 of us the spend the remainder of  Friday together. Mike, Chris and Hannah sang some songs and we ate well. 

I know my mother (Lois) feels like she has been in a fog or haze this past three months. But even in that place, she is keenly aware of your love & prayers and words of encouragement. She also  voiced her appreciation to each of us in the family who collectively shared our talents in unique ways to ensure that the celebration of Kerry's life was fulfilling. And it was! 

We are thankful to so many of you for your help. The USD staff, Hansen Funeral Home, Wilson Florists, the St Agnes & Rimrock Church families, Tom & Terri Haggerty for loaning is their home and for all the flowers, letters, donations, phone calls and prayers. We have been strengthened and uplifted by your love. Thank you.

And now we will move into a new chapter of life lived without Kerry's physical presence. Please continue to lift mom up in your prayers as she goes through a season of sorrow and healing. 

Blessings to all of you. I hope that you are treated today as beautifully as you have treated all of us over these past three months. 

To God be the glory!

Mom's address is:
625 Pinehurst
Vermillion SD 57069
Email: 
loisndoyle @ msn.com

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