Kerri Jo Bard-Marcelo

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Kerri Jo Bard-Marcelo, 33, of Charleston, formerly of Cape Girardeau, passed away Friday, Nov. 10, 2017, at her home after an inspirational eight-year battle with cancer.

She was born March 5, 1984, in Cape Girardeau to Timothy Bard and Patricia L. Reid Bard.

Kerri Jo was a 2002 graduate of Cape Girardeau Central High School, where she was a varsity cheerleader and honor student. She graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a bachelor’s degree and was also a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority.

Prior to her illness, she worked for Select Physical Therapy. Later, she worked for Executive Realty.

Kerri Jo was an avid fan of Cardinals baseball and Kentucky Wildcat basketball.

She and Petronilo “Pete” Marcelo Jr. were married May 7, 2016, on a beach in South Carolina, surrounded by family and friends.

Kerri Jo was known by many people. She has touched the lives of thousands of people with the story of her battle. Her biggest impact didn’t come from her battle with cancer but from who she was: A dedicated daughter, a strong and supportive sister, and a faithful, loving wife. She looked at every day as a gift. She loved being around her friends, family and dogs. She always took into consideration everyone’s feelings and treated them with respect.

For those who knew and loved her, there is a hole in their lives that was filled by her. She will forever be in their hearts and minds and will never be forgotten. Her Papaw will always remember her for her happiness and always being full of sunshine.

Loving survivors include her husband, Pete Marcelo of South Carolina; mother, Patty Herod, and stepdad, Mitch Herod of Cape Girardeau; father, Tim Bard of East Prairie, Missouri; brothers, Chad and Sean Bard, both of Cape Girardeau; maternal grandfather, Amos Reid of Jackson; paternal grandmother, Sue Bard of East Prairie; two special nieces, Brooke and Lexie Bard of Cape Girardeau; uncle, Terry Reid of Mount Dora, Florida; and mother- and father-in-law, Petronilo and Teresa Marcelo Sr. of the Philippines.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Shelba Reid; paternal grandfather, Marvin Bard; stepgrandparents, James and JoAnn Herod; and two canine companions, Shelby and Jackson.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Bobby Manso officiating. Burial will be at Fairmount Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.