Leatrice M. Kemp

Leatrice M. Kemp

“Lea”

Palmyra: Lea passed away on September 16, 2016 at age 86. She was born in Boston, MA to the late Norman and Amey Hoard. Lea was predeceased by her husband, Philip A. Kemp. She is survived by her children, Bradford Kemp (Cheryl DaSilva), Dr. Jonathan Kemp (Dr. Kim Anderson), Sarah E. Kemp (David Hong); grandchildren, Samantha, Benjamin Kemp and their mother, Catherine Kemp, Sidney and Kevin Hong.

Lea grew up in Milton and Lakeville, MA.  She loved her family farm in Lakeville and enjoyed spending time, being close to nature and with her longtime friend of 70 years, Elizabeth A. Williams.

Lea received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and her masters degree in Library Sciences from Columbia University. She worked for 43 years at the Rochester Museum and Science Center. In 1996, Lea and her co-author, Victoria Schmidt published a book Images “Afro Rochester” 1910-1935. Mayor Thomas S. Richards named October 19, 2011 as “Lea Kemp Day,” for her work on the Albert E. Stone Collection, which she curated and preserved. Lea was recognized for her work on preserving Rochester's photographic history, and noted for her work on Frederick Douglass and The Underground Railroad. She wrote many articles on historical houses for the Landmark Society as part of their "Home Work" column in the CITY newspaper.  She was renowned for her tours of "hidden Rochester."  Lea was passionate about history and a major force behind the preservation of Rochester's history.

The family is grateful to all of the people who assisted Lea in her battle with Leukemia, especially Joy Benson.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday (October 6) at 3 PM at the Rochester Museum and Science Center (Eisenhart Ballroom) 657 East Ave. Rochester, NY, 14607.  Lea's burial will be held on Saturday (October 8) at 10:30 AM in Assonet Burying Ground, 46 South Main St., Freetown, MA. Contributions in Lea’s name may be directed to Antique Wireless Museum, Antique Wireless Association, P.O. Box 421, Bloomfield, NY 14469 or an online donation www.antiquewireless.org. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit www.murphyfuneralservices.com.  

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