Obituaries

Mary R. Kemp, 91

January 27, 2020

Mary R. Kemp, 91, of Lancaster, passed away Monday, January 27, 2020 at the Glen at Willow Valley. Born in Williamstown, PA, she was the daughter of the late William T. and Erma M. (Bond) Challenger. Mary enjoyed 64 years of marriage with her husband Dr. Robert M. Kemp before his death in 2017.

A graduate of Williamstown Catholic High School, Mary completed her RN studies at St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing. She worked as a nurse, supporting her young family while her husband Bob completed medical school, and then worked beside him at his Willow Street practice.

Mary was a faithful parishioner of Historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and she enjoyed volunteering at church activities. She also volunteered with the auxiliary of St. Joseph Hospital and served on the Board of Directors at Lancaster Catholic High School.

Mary’s life was an example of patience, kindness and generosity. She was a selfless, loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed a special bond with her brothers and sisters and was a loyal friend to many. Mary was a wonderful cook and loved hosting large gatherings where all were welcome. Her greatest joy came from making others feel loved and supported.

Mary is survived by her four children: William R. Kemp (Susan), Mary Ann Notarianni (Joseph), Margaret L. Kemp (Jackie Cooper) and Jane E. Ramirez (Miguel); six grandchildren: Andrew and Brian Notarianni, Sarah and Alexander Kemp, Ryan Ramirez (Kelsey) and Elizabeth Ramirez; her great-grandson Joseph Notarianni, and her siblings, John J. Challenger (Molly), Catherine Ahrens (Robert) and Helen O’Boyle.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by her brothers, Mark and Bernard Challenger, and her beloved grandson Jeffrey Notarianni.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at Historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Friends and family will be received from 9-10 AM at the church. Interment will take place in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at 2:30 PM.

Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to Historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 119 S. Prince St., Lancaster, PA 17603.

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Condolences to the Family

February 12, 2020

I had the extreme pleasure of working with Dr Kemp for several years at LRMC, and he always spoke so fondly of his Mary, whom I also had the pkeasure of meeting on several occassions. What a lovely, gracious woman!
Karen Lee Morgan

February 04, 2020

My sympathy to Mary’s children and their families. I grew up on Lyndon Avenue and was closest to Peggy. We haven’t seen each other in quite some time, but I did want to express my condolences.
Rochelle Shenk

February 03, 2020

Our sympathy to Mary’s family. Whether as a familiar face in Bob’s office or as round-the-block neighbors our family always enjoyed Mary’s warmth and friendship. We are sorry for her loss to her children and grandchildren.
James and Linda Kopf and family

February 02, 2020

Our deepest sympathies to the family of Aunt Mary, our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Mark and Linda Challenger

February 02, 2020

Bill, Mary Ann, Peg, Jane,
My deepest sympathies to all of you.. I will truly miss a great Friend and prayer Warrior as we shared our
hopes and dreams of our families. We kept up, as best we could, with everyone’s accomplishments and sadnesses. I know you will miss picking up the phone and hearing her voice. We reminised about early times and all the fun things we did. I will never forget all the times she brought the girls up and snucked them in the back door of your Dad’s office because I was in the shop! She would also stop at Murr’s to get their prescription for them. I could never thank her enough for all the things she did for me. Told the girls in the shop-whenever Mary Kemp calls put her in whenever she wants no matter how busy I am. She was always doing for any one that needed her. I will certainly miss the visits and taking her her McD’s cheeseburgers!
My heart feels so empty and I can’t imagine how yours feel but she was a one of a kind lady and I really loved her.
I am so sorry to miss her service as we don’t fly in till the evening but you will all be in my prayers. Thank you so much Jane for the phone call.
Love,
Fay

Visitation: Wednesday, February 05, 2020; 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM; Historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church; 119 S Prince Street; Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >
Services: Wednesday, February 05, 2020; 10:00 AM; Historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church; 119 S Prince Street; Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >