Terri Kerwin Obituary, Beloved Real Estate Agent and Community Leader, Leaves Lasting Legacy
The community of Portola Valley, California, is mourning the loss of Terri Kerwin, a renowned real estate agent and devoted member of the community, who passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. Kerwin’s dedication to her clients, her passion for the Peninsula’s natural beauty, and her commitment to giving back to the community have left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals ¹.
*A Career Defined by Integrity and Expertise*
Born in San Francisco in 1962, Kerwin was raised in a close-knit family that instilled in her the values of hard work and compassion. After earning her degree in Business Administration from San Jose State University, she launched her real estate career in 1988, recognizing the untapped potential of the luxury market on the Peninsula. Kerwin’s keen eye for architectural detail, coupled with her deep knowledge of local zoning and land-use issues, positioned her as the go-to agent for discerning buyers and sellers alike ².
*A Legacy of Service and Community Involvement*
Kerwin’s greatest satisfaction came not from commission checks but from the moment she handed a set of keys to a first-time homeowner or helped a growing family find the perfect space to put down roots. Her ethos of service extended beyond her business, as she served on the boards of both the Mid-Peninsula Association of Realtors and the Portola Valley Town Council’s planning committee. Kerwin was also a longtime supporter of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, spearheading several local fundraisers to preserve critical wildlife corridors and protect the scenic beauty of the Bay Area’s hillsides ¹ ².
*A Life of Love, Laughter, and Adventure*
Away from the office, Kerwin was an avid hiker and nature enthusiast, traits she passed along to her two children, Meredith and Thomas. Weekends often found the Kerwin family exploring the trails of Windy Hill Open Space Preserve or kayaking on the calm waters of Tomales Bay. Friends recall her generosity at holiday gatherings, her laughter echoing through Portola Valley’s grand pines, and the dinners she hosted on her patio, where guests savored her homemade tiramisu alongside lively conversation ².
*Celebrating Terri’s Life and Legacy*
A celebration of Terri’s life will be held at the Portola Valley Town Center on Saturday, June 20, at 2:00 pm, where family and friends are invited to share memories, stories, and laughter in her honor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District or Habitat for Humanity of Silicon Valley, causes Terri championed with her whole heart ¹.
*Remembering Terri’s Impact*
Kerwin’s legacy lies in the relationships she forged, the lives she touched, and the community she helped build. Colleagues remember her as a mentor who took young agents under her wing, sharing strategies for negotiation and marketing—but also lessons in empathy. “She taught me that the most important thing is listening,” says one former mentee. “Those listening skills are what set me apart today.” Terri’s impact on the community will be felt for years to come, and her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her ².
