Mary Welch Kemper
September 9, 1967 ~ March 21, 2024
Mary Diane (Welch) Kemper, a cherished mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Wakefield, Massachusetts, on March 21, 2024, at the age of 56.
Born on September 9, 1967, in Beverly, Mary was the daughter of the late Charles and Nancy (Thompkins) Welch. Raised and educated in Danvers, she later graduated from North Shore Community College. Mary made her home in West Newbury for many years, where she raised her beloved family.
Mary's generous spirit shone brightly through her volunteer work with the Pentucket Arts Foundation Board of Directors and her dedication as a Girl Scout leader with Troop 179. Her passion for painting and the arts was evident in all aspects of her life.
A loving and nurturing presence, Mary was not only a devoted mother to her three children but also embraced all of their friends as her own. Her role as "Nana" to her two grandchildren, Mason and Amelia, brought her immense joy and fulfillment in recent years.
Mary had a deep appreciation for music, with a special fondness for the Beatles, John Lennon, Rush, and Lenny Kravitz. Her two French bulldogs, Bruno and Otis, who were constant sources of love and comfort.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: Juniper Welch of Denver, Colorado; Joshua Kemper and his wife Courtney of Haverhill; and Olivia Kemper of Somerville. She also leaves behind her siblings: Francis Welch, Cheryl Ventola, Richard Welch, and Michael Welch, as well as her aunt, Karen Hancock. Mary will be deeply missed by her long-time friend, Glenn Chesley, and by numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Mary was predeceased by her brother, Jonathan, and Leo David Condon, whom she cared for lovingly for many years.
Visiting hours will be Saturday, March 30, 2024 from 2-5PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. Relatives and friends are invited. All other services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Project Sweet Peas, online at www.projectsweetpeas.com. Guestbook is available at www.LyonsFuneral.com.
A sympathy card was purchased for the family of Mary Welch Kemper.
Darryl Chesley is following this tribute.
Sweet Mary. I have been a friend and next door neighbor of the Welch’s. I remember Mary as I would hang around the Welch house, mostly with Frank and Cheryl. There was always the cutest little sweet petite girl with long blond hair walking around us in her bare feet, not saying anything but making you smile at how cute she was. I moved on from Danvers 40 years ago and did not get to see Mary grow up. It did not surprise me, she remained cute as a button and with a good heart. I am so sorry for your loss Franky 5, Cheryl, Mike and Boogs. Bob Ingy
I was able to meet Mary through Cheryl. She was always such a kind and nurturing person. Her kids always came first. A hard worker and most compassionate. Mary, you will be missed. May God hold you in the palm of his hand and bring peace to you and to your family ❤️
Well said, Bob. My recollection too.
My sweet Mary. I knew her from work. Though I only saw her the first few years and when she became my supervisor, we got really close. She told me about her family, what she was going through at the time, and she was someone you could trust just after one talk. I trusted her with my life once I got close to her. She was not just a supervisor to me. She was a mentor to me, a mother figure even to me, and she was my friend as well. I wish we had made time to go out for coffee, but once we meet again, I know we will. She was such a sweetheart, such a beautiful person, and she was literally such an amazing woman that I will never forget. We lost her too soon. Sending much love to her family and friends through this very sad time. Mary was the closest friend I had in the workplace we got close in and she got me through a small dark time in my life with her love, her positivity, and her energy. I’ll always be so grateful and thankful I met such a lovely and such a sweet woman. Love you so much, Mary. I will never forget you ❤️❤️❤️