Mary Kempton

On December 21st,2020, Mary (Magee) Kempton was welcomed into the arms of Our Lord and reunited with her husband, Michael. Mary was born on September 2, 1934 in Keady, County Armagh, Northern Ireland. She was the third daughter of John Magee and Catherine McCluskey. The first two died from tuberculosis. Mary’s mother passed shortly after her birth from the same disease. She was also the step-daughter of Brigid McArdle Magee and most beloved niece of Lizzy McClelland.

She emigrated to the United States at the age of 21 having only an 8th grade education. At that time most girls left school to work in the factory to help support their families. Within a year she attended a family wedding in New Jersey and there she met the man who was to become her husband, Michael Kempton (RIP Oct. 21,1979). They lived in Queens before moving to Long Island with their 2 young daughters. There, they brought 4 more children into the world for a total of 5 girls and a boy. Mary was widowed at the age of 44.

Knowing she had a family to provide for, she went back to school and earned her GED followed by a degree in Nursing. She became a Psychiatric nurse at Brunswick hospital in Amityville for many years before retiring.

Mom also channeled her suffering into strength with her faith. She was a devout Catholic who went to mass daily, she also brought communion to the homebound and was involved with the Folcolare Movement. Our mother inspired us with her strength in the face of adversity. By her life she inspired us to know that no matter how many times you might get knocked down in life you find a way to get up and move forward

Mary, to those who had the blessing to have her in their lives, was and will continue to be an inspiration. We, her children, feel very fortunate and blessed to have had her as our mother.

In her absence she leaves behind her children: Cathy Blachly (Steve), Maureen Kempton, Coleen Meyers (Christopher), Theresa Jane Pauciullo (John), Trisha LaPera (Frank), Michael Kempton.

Grandchildren: Natasha, Michael, Mariah (Mike), Christopher, Frankie, Cate, David, Felicia, Brigid and Maeve and Great Grandchildren: Adrianna, John Michael, Christiano and Mike Jr.

She also leaves behind her siblings: Sean (Barbara), Margaret Cunningham, Harry (Kathleen), Teresa Lappin (Pat). She was pre-deceased by her Brother-in-law Martin Cunningham and Sister-in-Law Margaret Hanrahan Magee.She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers we are asking that you please donate to the Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center in

Loving memory of our mother. Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center (adrcinc.org)

Thank you