Maria Christina Kerr, 36, of Champaign, died on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, at Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana, after a five year battle with breast cancer. A memorial service will be held beginning at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 Philo Road, Urbana. Maria was born in Harvey, Illinois on February 13, 1973, the daughter of Tina Kerr. She spent her childhood in Dolton, Illinois, and graduated from Thornton Township High School in 1991. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 1996 and her Master of Social Work degree in 1998 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She was married on October 13, 2007, in Stratford, Ontario, Canada to Amy McDaniel. She worked as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Champaign, most recently at Mental Health Center of Champaign County, fulfilling her dream of helping others have better lives. She cared for many stray and rescue dogs and cats over the years and loved them dearly. She enjoyed gardening and reading. Maria is survived by her mother, spouse, and best friends Nancy (Mark) Wright of Peoria, and Kevin (Atalece) Bird of Champaign, all of whom were by her side in the weeks before her death. She leaves numerous other friends, coworkers, and clients who admired her joy for life and tenacity in fighting to survive her cancer.