Kentish Express Ashford & District
Cliff mad mum loses her battle with breast cancer
A beloved mother and grandmother – who was a massive Cliff Richard fan – has lost her brave battle with cancer.
Jean Kemp, nee Bliss, died aged 60 on February 12, at the Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury, following her second diagnosis with breast cancer last year.
She leaves behind children Jacqueline, Martin and Katie and grandchildren Chloe, Amelia, Max and Phoebe.
Martin Kemp, 34, from South Ashford, said of his mum: “Mum was very strong-willed and would never take no for an answer.
“She fought for everything in her life right through to the end.
“I’ve had many say, from people mum worked with to friends, that when they met mum they just clicked.
“Her wicked sense of humour and personality meant she would take no nonsense from anyone. It’s what they admired the most from mum.
“She made her kids very independent and did us all proud.
“I remember her saying the best time of her life was when she was bringing us kids up.”
Mrs Kemp, from Folkestone, worked at Kent County Council as an administration assistant in disabled children’s service.
She was married to Derek Kemp for 25 years and they remained good friends after they divorced, often catching up over lunch.
Martin added: “Mum was very family orientated and loved to have family get-togethers and also parties with friends.
“She was a massive fan of Cliff Richard – the calendar being the must-buy gift for her at Christmas.
“Mistletoe and Wine was her favourite tune, so every Christmas we will be reminded of mum when this is played.”
Only last month, Martin raised £6,000 in honour of Jean at a grand charity ball, held at the Ashford International Hotel.
The party, attended by nearly 300 people, was also organised to coincide with Mrs Kemp’s 60th birthday.
However, she was sadly too ill to attend.
Money from the night was split between the Pilgrims Hospices and Cancer Research UK.
Mrs Kemp’s funeral will be held at Hawkinge Crematorium, in Aerodrome Road, on Tuesday, March 1 at 2pm.
The family ask that donations are given to the Pilgrims Hospices, courtesy of Chittenden’s Funeral Service, 1 Ingoldsby Road, Folkestone, CT19 6JJ, or via www.jean.kemp.muchloved. com