Valda Alida Kemp

Born in Latvia she fled with her family to Denmark in the Second World War eventually immigrating to Canada in 1951.

Valda attended the University of Toronto where she earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Musicology and found her husband of 61 years (Dr Walter Kemp). She taught piano and the Orff method of music to children and was music teacher at the Halifax Grammar School for 12 years.

She loved handicrafts and woodworking, owning Alida’s Crafts with her unique design of knitted hats/skibands. She was also Facility Coordinator at the Nova Scotia Centre for Craft and Design for seven years. Lovingly known as the “Sergeant Major” of the Royal NS International Tattoo adult choir for over 25 years, her other volunteer work included Opera Nova Scotia and as an active member of the Board of the SS Atlantic Heritage Park Society in Terence Bay.

A strong, resilient, loving woman who gave 100% and support in everything she did; Valda will always be remembered by her children Carol and Walter and five grandchildren Rose, Adam, Dallas, Katharina,George and all those who were blessed to know her. She was predeceased by daughter Dora and husband Walter.