Obituary of Jackie Kemp

Jacqueline Vitaline Kemp (née Brazeau) died peacefully in Burnstown on Thursday, September 19, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on November 19, 1938, and grew up just outside Sudbury in the town of Espanola.

Small town life was not in the cards for Jacquie. She headed to Toronto where she earned her degree from U of T and began her career in advertising. It was also in Toronto that she met her future husband and partner in life's incredible journey, James Kemp. She met this handsome Brit on a ski trip and it was love at first sight. They married February 6, 1970.

After spending a year backpacking around Europe, they settled down in a skier’s paradise, Calgary and Canmore. It was here that they started their family and welcomed their only daughter, Alexis.

After skiing all the mountains out west, Manotick became her new home. Jacquie left advertising and began a new career working for the Ottawa Carleton Catholic School Board where she worked at St. Pius X High School as an office and guidance administrator until she retired.

Other than her family, Jacquie had two main loves: reading and gardening. She spent many hours with the wonderful staff at the Arnprior Public Library and enjoyed introducing her grandson, Cooper, to their amazing programs and getting him his first library card. Her garden was always a marvel to behold. Such colour, variety and complexity, constantly evolving and changing with the seasons.

Jacquie is survived by her daughter Alexis, her son-in-law Kevin, and her grandson Cooper. She is predeceased by the love of her life, her husband Jim.

Jacquie and her family wish to express their deep appreciation for the wonderful care, empathy and humanity of the MAID program run out of the Ottawa Hospital. Special thank you to Sara Olivier, Dr. Costain and Dr. Amaro.

There will be a small, private celebration of Jacqueline‘s wonderful life.

Her family asks that no flowers be sent in her name. If you wish to make a donation, you can donate to the Arnprior Public Library https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/arnprior-public-library-board/