Sara Kemper

Sara "Sue" Kemper (Paul), age 77, of Portage, MI died peacefully at home early Saturday morning, October 8th. Sue was preceded in death by her husband Ronald Kemper, brothers Richard and Keith Paul, and sisters Patricia Lee and Elizabeth Ellison. She leaves behind her brother Russell Paul, son Bradley Kemper, daughter Amanda Morneault (Kemper), and a new, perfect grandson, Leo Morneault. Sue was born to Arthur and Frances Paul in Kalamazoo, MI, where she put down deep roots and remained near throughout her life. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a B.Ed., and later returned for a M.S. in geography. Sue was an educator by temperament and training, and dedicated to the pursuit and value of knowledge. She taught elementary school in Kalamazoo for over 40 years, and upon retirement began to tutor students from her home in Portage. Sue loved to travel. She took long, frequent road trips across the continental United States, led on by curiosity and appreciation of history to the next museum and landmark. She painted often, and well, having developed over her life an impressive talent for watercolor. The French Impressionists inspired her work, but, as in all things, Sue's style was her own. Sue was committed to serving her community. She was active in the Ladies Library Association of Kalamazoo, the venerable club for women that led the charge to build the city's first public library. At the time of her death, Sue was president of the Portage Lions Club, where she had been a member for almost 30 years. Sue was an optimist, naturally cheerful, and very kind. She was generous with her time, and patient to a fault. She will be remembered as a loving mother, a caring teacher, and a good person. She will be dearly missed by all. Memorial service with a luncheon to follow will be held on Monday, October 17, 2016, 11 a.m., at First Baptist Church of Kalamazoo, 315 West Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Portage Lions Charities, P.O. Box 294, Portage, MI 49081.