Kemper Doris Jeanette (nee Turner) Sept. 30, 1930 – Mar. 26, 2025 Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025 at the age of 94. Born in Philadelphia, she was lovingly raised by her Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Charles Mehlhorn, after losing her mother at age five. She graduated from Roxborough High in 1949. Doris attended the University of Pennsylvania, earning her BS in Nursing. During college, she married her high school sweetheart, John Kemper. Following graduation, she worked at Montgomery Hospital where she trained student nurses. She later stepped away from her career to raise their sons, Keith and Chris. She and John shared a love for travel and discovery, taking family trips to many National Parks, ski resorts, and dude ranches. Their summers included treasured time in Ocean City, NJ, with family and lifelong friends. With the arrival of five beloved grandchildren, these traditions evolved into extended family adventures. After his retirement, John and Doris explored the world together. Doris had a spirited nature and an active lifestyle. She enjoyed running, swimming, biking, horseback riding, skiing, and tennis. A devoted theater enthusiast, she and John were longtime patrons of the Walnut Street Theater. Doris and John made homes in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and California. Their final home was at Maris Grove in Glen Mills, where Doris lovingly cared for John during his final years. Doris is survived by her sons, Keith (Janet) and Chris (Pam); her grandchildren, Jessica (Joe Ridgeway), Alison (Jack Pike), John (Juli Scamardo), Claire (Joe Robison), and Lauren; and her great-grandchildren, June Kemper-Pike and Shay Kemper-Robison. She leaves behind a legacy of love, exploration, and resilience that will be treasured by her family and friends. A Memorial Service will be held at the chapel at Maris Grove, 200 Maris Grove Way, Glen Mills on April 16. Visitation begins at 10 A.M. with Service at 11 A.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Park Foundation in Doris's memory at give.nationalparks.org. www.laurelhillphl.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Philadelphia Inquirer on Apr. 6, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Doris Kemper

Sponsored by Laurel Hill West & Laurel Hill Funeral Home.

4 Entries

Esther Huttlin Zysk

April 30, 2025

Dear Keith, Chris and families,
I was so sorry to hear of Aunt Doris´s passing. I will always remember her warm smile and wonderful laugh. One memory that´s always stayed with me over the years were her dates stuffed with peanut butter at the holiday dinners! Your dad and mom were such a special couple. Please know I´m thinking of you at this difficult time.
Our condolences,
Bunny and Mark

Esther Zysk

Planted Trees

Sherry Maling Weersing

April 16, 2025

To all of the Kemper family, I am so sorry for your loss but am also glad that you had Doris for so many years. I know she loved her family dearly and that your fond memories of her and John will make you smile when you think of them. The talk of her skiing today at the memorial made me laugh thinking of my one and only big ski trip to Vermont in high school that she chaperoned. Kids would yell down the hall "here comes Mrs Kemper" as a warning as I´m pretty sure my mother told her to keep an eye on me. She and John were so kind to my mother Ruth through her journey with Alzheimers. I will never forget that and how fun they were.

Kim & Rich Loveland

April 12, 2025

Dear Kemper Family - especially Keith and Chris,
Our thoughts and prayers and love are extended to you and your family at this sorrowful time. You're parents were amazing. Your Mom was full of life and energy and your Father was full of jokes stories. Growing up during the summers at Ocean City, NJ we were blessed to watch are parents interact and develop life long friendship. We witnessed how adults should get along with one another while being welcomed to join the conversation or participate in a serious game of volleyball. I look back at those times spent on the beach as some of the best years of my life. Time and location has distanced our friendships, but the memories made will never be lost. I'd love to get together with you guys when you're down at the shore. I'm spending the summer at Ocean City Campground in our motorhome and will be available.
Wishing your Family Peace and Memories.
Love,
Kim &Rich Loveland

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results