Audrey Frances Kemp (née Hayley)
October 31, 1945 - August 25, 2023
On Friday, August 25, 2023, after a wonderful day with family in London, Ontario, Audrey Kemp of Clinton passed away at the age of 77. She is predeceased by her parents Alonzo and Dorothea Hayley of Victoria, BC.
Our Mom loved her family dearly and leaves behind her children Christine (Carl) of London, Rob (Linda) of Toronto, and Alonna (Ian) of London. She was saddest of all to say goodbye to her treasured grandchildren Harry, Audrey and Lauren Mavromichalis; Jamie Kemp; and Jack and Robyn Dodd. She will be lovingly remembered by her siblings Rod Hayley, Susan Wardell, and Pam Yorath; and her nephews, nieces and cousins.
Mom’s career as a schoolteacher started in Victoria, BC and took her on an Arctic adventure to teach in Qikiqtarjuaq and Kugluktuk, Nunavut, before she settled in Clinton, ON. She taught at several Huron County schools, with 16 years at Hullett Central PS. She was a proud member of Beta Sigma Phi, and gratefully received her 60-year Diamond Circle pin during a lively party in her honour just days before her death. As an active member of Wesley-Willis and then Clinton United Church for 50 years, she enjoyed participating in UCW meetings, bazaars, dinners, and penny races. She taught Sunday School for many years, but her greatest joy was singing in the church choir. Our mom was a dedicated volunteer for the Alzheimer Society of Huron-Perth. She deeply valued the opportunity to support the important services they provide. In 2022 she was humbled to receive the Gandon Award in recognition of her contributions.
Always interested in the world at large, Mom was an avid reader, CBC Radio listener, and enthusiastic traveller who visited Ireland, Curacao, and Scandinavia in recent years. Our family would like to thank the health care workers at Clinton, Goderich and St. Thomas Hospitals; the nurses on the 8th Floor of University Hospital; and especially haematologist Dr. Cyrus Hsia, whose care and kindness will always be remembered.
Cremation has taken place. Please join us at Mom’s funeral service on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., at Clinton United Church, 105 Ontario St., Clinton, ON. In lieu of flowers, Mom requested donations be made to the Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth.
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My sincere sympathy to all of Audrey’s family. I spent many prepandemic Friday evenings with Audrey and others at Wing Night and Fish Night at the Fish and Game Club. We always enjoyed getting together. She was a lovely person. She will be missed. Treasure your memories! Alice Deichert
Christine, Rob and Alonna and families. We are so sorry for your loss. Audrey was such an amazing lady and one of my favorite "sisters". She always had a great attitude with a wonderful ability to laugh at herself. She will be greatly missed.
To Christine, Rob and Alonna and families, my deepest condolences to all of you on the passing of your mom. She has been a friend since she to Clinton and joined the Clinton Sorority chapter. This summer we had a couple of lovely visits even though she was not feeling well. You are all in my thoughts through this difficult time. Sincerely Marj Dobson
My dear Auntie Audrey, you will be so missed by our whole family. Your kindness and generosity will always be remembered along with your genuine, heartfelt, infectious laugh. Xo
A donation has been made to Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth.
I offer my condolences to the whole family.
Dear Christine, Rob , Alonna and families, Please accept my sincere sympathies for the loss of your mom. She was a really positive member of the staff of CPS
I enjoyed singing in the alto section with Audrey at church. We shared lots of stories about our grandchildren and enjoyed lots of chats many good laughs. I will remember her fondly. May her love and light continue to shine brightly in your lives.
Our sincerest sympathies to all of Audrey's family. As a neighbor and friend she was the best. She left us with a lot of good memories in the short time we had with her and we miss her wonderful smile.
To Audrey’s family, our deepest sympathy to you all during this difficult time. May memories keep a smile on your face. Hugs
Audrey will be greatly missed. I remember great family times Christmas caroling as well as sorority events over the years. Sincere condolences to the family. Mary, Dale, Brad and families.
We are so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. We enjoyed so much any time we spent with her and were pleased to have her as a colleague for several years at Hullett. Audrey did live life with gusto but also with consideration for others, She was never judgemental, always taking you as you were, and kind to everyone. Her students felt that in her and absolutely "loved" Mrs. Kemp. We also enjoyed any time we got to sing along with Audrey - whether for a fundraiser in a joint choir, during Covid in the parking lot, or at massed choir events like the IPM. She loved to sing and we enjoyed singing in the same events. As Moms, we always shared what our kids were up to and we were glad that some of our kids were friends as well in high school. Moms are the linch-pin to family and you will have to work extra hard to keep the strong relationships happening with your siblings and the cousins. We hope you take pride in your amazing and beautiful Mom and learn from her grace and devotion. And we know you will have many beautiful memories to see you through the next wee while.
Services for Audrey Frances Kemp (née Hayley)
Funeral Service will be held at:
Clinton United Church
105 Ontario Street,
Clinton, Ontario
September 23, 2023 11:00 am
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So very sad and still in shock at this news. Audrey had the twinkliest of eyes, the widest of smiles and the most musical, rippling laughter! She was always inclusive when talking with someone and would often start a sentence with: “I don’t know about you but I …..” She was my neighbour when I moved to Clinton knowing no one, and was an incredible listener and a lot of fun. Audrey was always encouraging and empathetic. I will miss all our wonderful chats and the way we freely shared our worries, thoughts and mutual anticipation/excitement! She was one of my best cheerleaders and I miss her so. Hugs, hugs, hugs…..to her darling kids and precious grandchildren. Such a huge loss.
~ Elizabeth Thorpe-Hearn