Elizabeth Ann Kempa

Elizabeth was born July 16, 1952, and spent her early years in Chehalis before moving with her family, around the age of 12, to Aberdeen, Washington. She attended Aberdeen High School, where she began building the foundation for a life marked by dedication, curiosity, and service. She later attended Seattle University, studying accounting and finance.

Throughout her career, Elizabeth, affectionally nicknamed Betty, worked in several government agencies, including the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), as well as the Social Security Administration. She was known for her commitment, professionalism, and strong work ethic. She also spent time living in Honolulu, Hawaii, through her late 20s, where she worked in the hospitality industry before returning to the Seattle area to continue her career with the IRS.

It was while working at the IRS that Elizabeth met the love of her life, John. Their relationship grew into a beautiful marriage, and together they welcomed their beloved daughter, Rachel Elizabeth. Betty was a devoted wife and loving mother who treasured her family deeply.

Elizabeth had a lifelong appreciation for music and enjoyed artists such as Michael Jackson, Leonard Cohen, the Rolling Stones, and the Beatles. She loved movies, with The Phantom of the Opera among her favorites, and found joy in the arts and entertainment that brought beauty and emotion into her life.

Elizabeth was a woman who lived life with honesty, passion, and an unmistakable sense of humor. She was known for having no filter — she spoke her truth openly and sincerely, often bringing laughter to those around her with her quick wit and hilarious observations.

Elizabeth also had a deep love for words and language. She enjoyed using expressive, colorful vocabulary and had a unique way of choosing just the right words to tell a story, share an opinion, or make someone laugh. Her words reflected her vibrant personality and the passion she brought to everything she did.

She was deeply passionate about the things and people she believed in, and she was never afraid to stand up and defend what mattered to her. Elizabeth had an enormous heart, especially for the Social Security claimants and clients she served. She cared deeply about the people who came into her life and advocated fiercely for those she felt needed a voice. Her compassion, determination, and willingness to speak up made a lasting impact on so many.

Those who knew Elizabeth will remember her not only for her strength and passion, but for the laughter, honesty, and love she brought into the lives of others. She was truly one of a kind.

Elizabeth will be remembered for her kindness, dedication, and the love she gave to those around her.

She is preceded in death by her sister, Susie and leaves behind her beloved daughter Rachel Elizabeth, her sisters Connie and Leah, her brother Dan, step daughter’s Kim and Kristin Kempa, Niece Sarah and numerous grandchildren.

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Do not stand at my grave and weep -

I am not there,

I do not sleep,

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awake in the morning's hush

I am the swift up flinging rush

of quiet birds in circling flight,

I am the soft starshine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry.

I am not there. I did not die.