Obituary for Lydia Emma Kempe
On Friday March 6, 2020, Lydia Kempe passed away at Fred Douglas Lodge at age 91. Lydia was born in Lithuania and immigrated to Canada with her family after the Second World War.
Lydia was predeceased by her husband Herbert Kempe, her parents Max and Ella Pekau, her brother Bruno Pekau and, within the last 18 months, she also lost her sisters Herta Sprenger and Dina Schoen. The three Manitoba sisters are together once more! She leaves her sister Ella Carl in Toronto and brother Oscar Pekau in Montreal. Also left to miss her are her daughters Linda, Edie and Karen and her pride and joy, grandsons, Kyle and Navan.
Mom was a strong woman who lived independently in her house until age 89 along with her canine companion Buster. She loved to garden and grew the biggest and sweetest raspberries. Her front yard was a garden of daisies and her vegetable garden was slowly overtaken by all her wildflowers which she said were much less work anyway and so much prettier. Mom worked many years at the Bay in the various restaurants and the Malt Stop. She retired to take care of Herbert when he became ill. As long as she was able, Mom was a member of the Ladies Aid at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church where she attended many years. She knitted and crocheted many beautiful afghans, hats and scarves. Mom enjoyed cooking and baking and hosted many family gatherings. Mom loved attending Kyle and Navan’s concerts, dance recitals and plays. She was so proud of them! Lydia lived the last year at Fred Douglas Lodge where the staff loved her.
We thank the staff at Fred Douglas who cared for our mom and thank Pastor Michael from First Lutheran Church and Pastor Meinhardt from St. Peter’s Lutheran Church who provided prayers and comfort to mom and the family over the last while. Thank you to Kelly and Rob who showed her so much love over many years and for giving her such joy in her last months.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, First Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.
“Ruhe Sanft”. We love you Mom/Oma.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held in late spring. Details to follow.
Lydia was predeceased by her husband Herbert Kempe, her parents Max and Ella Pekau, her brother Bruno Pekau and, within the last 18 months, she also lost her sisters Herta Sprenger and Dina Schoen. The three Manitoba sisters are together once more! She leaves her sister Ella Carl in Toronto and brother Oscar Pekau in Montreal. Also left to miss her are her daughters Linda, Edie and Karen and her pride and joy, grandsons, Kyle and Navan.
Mom was a strong woman who lived independently in her house until age 89 along with her canine companion Buster. She loved to garden and grew the biggest and sweetest raspberries. Her front yard was a garden of daisies and her vegetable garden was slowly overtaken by all her wildflowers which she said were much less work anyway and so much prettier. Mom worked many years at the Bay in the various restaurants and the Malt Stop. She retired to take care of Herbert when he became ill. As long as she was able, Mom was a member of the Ladies Aid at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church where she attended many years. She knitted and crocheted many beautiful afghans, hats and scarves. Mom enjoyed cooking and baking and hosted many family gatherings. Mom loved attending Kyle and Navan’s concerts, dance recitals and plays. She was so proud of them! Lydia lived the last year at Fred Douglas Lodge where the staff loved her.
We thank the staff at Fred Douglas who cared for our mom and thank Pastor Michael from First Lutheran Church and Pastor Meinhardt from St. Peter’s Lutheran Church who provided prayers and comfort to mom and the family over the last while. Thank you to Kelly and Rob who showed her so much love over many years and for giving her such joy in her last months.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, First Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.
“Ruhe Sanft”. We love you Mom/Oma.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held in late spring. Details to follow.