Verda was born in Alsask, Sask. on March 28, 1930. She spent her childhood between Alsask and the family farm in Benton, Alta. We loved hearing her stories of life on the farm as kids. As a young woman, she taught herself secretarial skills and after moving to Calgary, got a job at the Royal Bank. It was there she met her husband Kendall Kempton. They married in 1954 and like most bankers at that time, they got transferred every few years. They moved from Calgary to Montreal, Ottawa, Cornwall (Ont.), St. John (NB) and Halifax.
Mom hated moving but came to love every place they lived and made many lifelong friends. In each new city she found a home at the local curling club. In Halifax she joined the Halifax Curling Club in the winter of 1980-81. She was very active in the club holding several positions including Club (Day Ladies) President. She was also a pretty good curler, skipping teams to many Senior Ladies Provincial titles and to two Canadian Senior Ladies Championship titles (!982 and 1987). She was the first Nova Scotia team to achieve this. We were so proud of her. Summers were spent trying to improve her golf game at Ashburn Golf Club. She was an active golfer and curler into her mid 80’s. Mom and Dad also enjoyed many years as members of the Saraguay Club (RNSYS).
Her last move was at the age of 85 to Parkland at the Gardens. After being Ken’s devoted caregiver as he progressed through dementia, it was especially sad when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s shortly after his death. At Parkland, she made many great new friends and was lovingly supported and cared for by the tremendous staff there. We are beyond grateful for all of their compassion and assistance over the past 6 years. Mom was loving, caring and very devoted to her family. She was a fierce “Westerner” to the end. She was a totally amazing Mom and Grammie.
She is predeceased by her Husband Kendall Kempton and is survived by her daughters Nancy (Kate) Kempton and her partner Stephen Moll (Toronto), and Patricia (Trish) Belliveau and her husband Larry Belliveau (Halifax), her adored grandchildren Madelyn Belliveau (London – UK) and Daniel Belliveau (Halifax), her beloved brother Dean McKelvie and his wife Eda (Medicine Hat – Alta.), and Brother-in-law Brian Kempton (Halifax).
Mom, we are so grateful we had you as long as we did – Miss you so much already.
There will be a family only service at a future date.
To place an online condolence please visit: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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