Joan Kempe

BOARDMAN - Private services were held for Joan H. Kempe, who died Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, on her 85th birthday, surrounded by her children.
Joan was born on Dec. 13, 1928, in Youngstown, to Adolph and Hilda (Anderson) Heller.
She was a graduate of The Rayen School and attended Kent State University. Joan worked as a realtor for Burgan Real Estate for 30 years. She served on the Board of Realtors for several years. She was a member of the Youngstown Bridge Club. She also volunteered her time working for Meals on Wheels for 20 years with her dear friend, Fran McIntire.
Joan will always be remembered for her excellent cooking and baked goods which she shared with all who knew her.
Her husband, Thomas E. Kempe, whom she married on Sept. 8, 1948, died Sept. 10, 1971.
She was also preceded in death by a brother, Donald Heller of Ukiah, Calif., and Don Porter, her son-in-law.
Her family was her biggest joy. They loved and adored her. Hardly a Sunday or holiday went by that they didn't gather for dinners or cookouts by her beloved pool.
She will be sadly missed by her four daughters, Susan Porter, Paula Kempe, with whom she made her home, Anne Kempe (Linda Coyle) of Silver Spring, Md., and Jane (Ron) Midgley; two sons, Bob Kempe and Tim (Anne) Kemp; 10 grandchildren, Mark (Stephanie) Porter, Chris Porter (fiance Liz DeLuca), Mollie Porter of Cleveland, Matthew (Michelle) Kempe of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Ashley Kempe, Kristen Midgley, Joshua Midgley, Andrew Midgley, John Jacob and Jaime Kempe; and two great-grandchildren, Donald Joseph "D.J." and Ty Stephen Porter.
She also leaves numerous loving nephews and nieces, and her dear sisters-in-law, Shirley, Audrey and Gretchen.
Arrangements were handled by the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.
Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to send condolences.