Obituary of Thelma A. Kempkes

"Thelma A. (Bartlett) Kempkes, 92, of Tucker Lane died June 21, 2007 with her husband by her side. Born in Somerville, May 23, 1915, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Mattie (Gilks) Bartlett. Growing up in the Boston area, Thelma lived in Wendell and New Salem before moving to Belchertown 60 years ago. She worked at Mass. Eye & Ear in Boston many years ago and enjoyed composing semi classical music in her leisure. She was a 60-year member of the Hope United Methodist Church in Belchertown and a 70-year member of the Grange. She held offices within each organization and served on many committees and boards. She will be deeply missed by her husband of 65 years, Joseph J. Kempkes, Jr. and a son Donald and his wife Joy Lynn of Jacksonville, FL. She also leaves her two grandsons, Donald, Jr. and John R. Kempkes of Jacksonville, FL. Besides her parents, an infant son Thomas, and her siblings predeceased her. Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 26 at 11:00 a.m. in the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home, 10 Maple St., (Rte. 202) followed by burial in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. For those wishing donations may be made in her memory to the music fund at Hope United Methodist Church, Main St., Belchertown, 01007. "