Laughter and love for the community
Royal Borough: Tribute to the spirit and dedication of former mayor
The sons of a former Royal Borough mayor have paid tribute to their much-loved mum who passed away earlier this month.
Dorothy Ann Kemp passed away at Wexham Park Hospital on Friday, November 18 at the age of 91.
A former shorthand typist, Dorothy married her late husband Daniel Kemp in 1952 and subsequently had three sons – Trevor, Duncan, and Michael.
As well as looking after her three children, Dorothy also spent her time serving on the council and was an elected representative for the old Berkshire County Council.
When the authority broke up in the 1990s, Dorothy joined the Royal Borough as a councillor for Oldfield.
The long-serving Conservative councillor served as a deputy mayor before being elected as mayor for the 2008/2009 municipal year in which she attended a host of engagements including
Remembrance Sunday, the
Lion’s Club of Maidenhead’s Swimarathon, the Duck Derby in Maidenhead, and the parade through the High Street for Chinese New Year.
Dorothy spent time working with Maidenhead MP Theresa May and has also served on White Waltham Parish Council for Littlewick Green.
Active in sports, Dorothy spent several years playing tennis, before taking up golf. Both she and Daniel played at Sonning Golf Club, and she also took part in local competitions.
Dorothy ran a sports shop with Daniel inside the former Magnet Leisure Centre, up until after Daniel passed away in 1999.
She was also involved in the WI and helped to raise thousands for children’s charity Barnardo’s.
Dorothy lived in Cherry Garden Lane for about 60 years, before moving into a care home in Marlow in recent years.
“She had a brilliant smile, and she laughed a lot. Everybody will remember her laugh”, Duncan said.
Michael said: “As well as being our Mum she was a much-loved granny and great grandma. She will be sorely missed by us all.
“We are not only proud of all her achievements but of the support and love she gave her whole family.
“As well as her long and dedicated service as a councillor in the area, making lifelong friendships in so doing, she also worked hard in raising money for charity, particularly Barnardo’s.
“She enjoyed the activities of her local community and we are thankful to all her friends who were there for her.”
Dorothy’s funeral will be held at Reading Crematorium on Thursday, December 8 at 11.30am and friends wishing to pay their respects are welcome to come to the crematorium.