Dorothy Jean (Olson) Kemp of Tawas City, formerly of Strasburg, Va. and Annandale, Va., passed away peacefully at home under the loving care of her family on Monday, May 5, 2014, age 94 years. Dorothy was born on Oct. 23, 1919 in St. Charles, Ill. to Carl and Mildred (Swanson) Olson. She worked as a computer programmer for the Department of the Army for many years, retiring to the Shenanoah Valley in the 1970s. Dorothy married her husband, Vernon L. Kemp, on Jan. 27, 1940. Together, they celebrated 55 beautiful years of marriage, until Vernon's death in 1995. Dorothy enjoyed to work with her hands and was an accomplished seamstress and knitter. She will be remembered as an avid sports fan and how she faithfully followed the University of Virginia basketball team. Dorothy also was a long time devoted member of Tawas United Methodist Church. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her. Dorothy is survived by her two loving children, K. Thomas (Mary) Kemp of Hanover, N.H., and Patricia (Jim) Shotwell of Tawas City; nine grandchildren, Jeffrey (Dana) Kemp, Julie (Patrick) Hallinan, Sarah (Paul) Fullerton, David (Amy) Shotwell, Andrew (Sarah) Shotwell, Karen (Ryan) Eavey, Karl (Jess) Kemp, Jack (Emily) Kemp and Jim (Lisa) Kemp; 21 great grandchildren; and many special friends. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon; a daughter, Karen in 1955; a son, Michael in 2004; and her parents, Carl and Mildred Olson. A burial will take place in the Battle Creek Memorial Park Cemetery with a private family service. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider either Tawas United Methodist Church, 20 M-55, Tawas City, MI 48763; or the New Hope Church, 686 Aulerich Rd., East Tawas, MI 48730. An on-line guest registry is available at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.
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