Sarah Jean Kemp

Sarah J Kemp (Buchanan), age 85, of Maricopa County, Arizona, passed away peacefully at her residence on May 23, 2025. Sarah "Sally" was born on July 2, 1939, in Oakland County, Michigan to the late Francis T. "Frank" and Jean M. (McLaughlin) Buchanan. Sally, as a teen, volunteered as an assistant to Father Charles Coughlin at The Shrine of the Little Flower. She was also employed at Michigan Bell, and then later at Standard Federal Bank. However, after raising her children, she was employed at Scottsdale School District in Arizona, as the Assistant/Secretary to the Business Services Director, for over a decade. It is in this position where she excelled as a professional and made many friends. In August of 1959, Sally married the love of her life, Roger L Kemp, and together they shared 59 years of loving marriage until Roger's passing in 2019. Roger never came home without bringing her a gift. She was a devoted mother to her seven children Kathleen (Edward) Marceau, Bridget Weamer, Molly (Daniel McShane) Mackie, Michael (Marguerite) Kemp, Peter Kemp, Patrick Kemp, Colleen Kemp. Sally truly adored all of her thirty five Grandchildren, Ryan (Ashley) McIntyre, Erin Jensen, Randall (Faith) Clifton, Shannon Lyons (love), Nicholas (Amber) Weamer, Ashley Hight, Zachary Weamer, Evelyn (Valentine) Mackie, David Mackie, Hannah Mackie, Joseph (Eimi) Mackie, Thomas Mackie, Patrick (Samantha) Mackie, Margaret Mackie, Donovan (Katie) Kemp, Sarah (Mitch) Harris, Shane Kemp, Moriah Hillary, Dublin Kemp, Jereme Kemp, Heather Kemp, James (Christina) Kemp, Elizabeth (Collen) Kemp, Peter "Lil Pete" Kemp, Lanette Kemp, Laura (Matthew) Solheim, Amanda (Jacob) Stamp, Dennis "Drew" Reiss, Brendan Reiss, Keely Ann (Matthew) Reiss, Cassandra (Caleb) Criger, Charles (Charlie) Criger, Viola Criger, Penelope Criger, Henry Criger. Roger and Sally also had 29 Great-Grandchildren, Lucille "Lucy" 17, Roger 13, Genevieve "Genny" or "Vivi" 6, Seamus 2, Alexander "Alex" 13, Annie 10, Norah 7, Paisley 10, Paityn 4, Blake 10, Hunter 9, Emily 5, Stella 7, Valentin 1.5, Jesus (7 mos), Luciano 3, Lilliana (4 Mos), Westley 9, Lincoln 8, Isla 5, Avery 12, Abel 11, Alexandria 9, Ashlinn 6, Cordelia 11, Lawrence "Larry" (1 yr), Ezekiel "Zeke" (5 mos), Harold "Harry" (4 mos). Sally had a deep love for family. Sally and Roger traveled to follow the family tree and gain information about our ancestors. Her family was the heart of her world, she cherished every moment with the children, teaching and laughing. A Lifelong reader, she found great pleasure in books, crossword puzzles and Sudoku. Coffee and chocolate were her favorite things, and she loved her visits from her sister Mary Lou and her friend Millie Spillman. She is survived by her sister-in-law Joan Buchanan, sister Mary Lou Kozinski, brother James "Jim" (Patricia "Pat") Buchanan, brother Francis "Frank" (Genevieve "Genny") Buchanan, sister-in-law Donna Buchanan, and many dear cousins, nieces and nephews. She was Preceded in death by her brother Thomas "Tom" Buchanan, brother-in-law Kenneth "Ken" Kozinski, brother Dennis Buchanan and two sons Peter Kemp, Patrick Kemp. Sally was known for her quick wit, unwavering faith, and devotion to our Lord. She consistently sprinkled everyone with holy water to cleanse their spirit in her presence. Her favorite color was "Blessed Mary Blue", as she adored the Mother of God. Sally was playful and fun and loved life. Her legacy of love will live on in the lives she touched. Committal Funeral Service She will be buried next to her husband, Roger L. Kemp Friday, June 13th at 11:00 am Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery 25800 W 10 Mile Rd. Southfield, MI 48033 Additional Services in Arizona: Funeral Mass June 20th at 9:45 am St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 13720 W Thomas Rd Avondale, AZ 85392 Celebration of Life Ceremony July 6th from Noon to 5 pm VFW Post 9400 804 E Purdue Phoenix, AZ 85020 Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com

Sarah Jean Kemp

July 2, 1939 - May 23, 2025