October 1, 1934 - April 4, 2013
Mum passed gently into the arms of her Lord on April 4, 2013. Her three children, David, Cathy and Steve as well as her husband Dave, were all with her. Nora was the eldest of three daughters (Rosemary and Margaret) born to Paul and Marion Rising. She was raised in Vancouver, graduated from Little Flower Academy and went on to acquire her teaching certificate through UBC and the Vancouver Normal School. She travelled with her father to England. They were a fashionable duo at the Buckingham Palace garden party of the new Queen Elizabeth II and mum was a staunch royalist for the remainder of her years. Every Christmas day we had to interrupt present opening to watch the Queen's annual address. Mum would sit in rapt attention – the rest of the family somewhat less so. In 1955 she began teaching in Campbell River, followed by positions in Powell River and NitNat. In 1956 she married Don Marshall (deceased 1986) and in 1988 she married David Kemp. Anyone who encountered Nora was touched by her kindness and joyful spirit. Her generosity often manifested itself in quiet ways- through a card or love gift. Friends meant the world to her and she was richly blessed with many. She loved being with people and was always active in her community and church. She had an inquiring mind, deep trust in God and a love of scripture. Her lifelong passions included gardening, bridge, golf, tennis, reading and travel. Photos of mum on top of Machu Picchu, astride a camel in the Egyptian desert, standing in wonderment at the temple of Ephesus and a stunning figure in a bikini reclining on Waikiki beach are just some of many pictures in family albums detailing her adventurous spirit. She was attuned to small details in life- the beauty in a pot of sunny geraniums, starfish on the rocks outside her Sechelter home or a glorious sunset- all God's creation gave her such delight. Mum's philosophy was gratitude for each day and she always remembered to tell us we were loved and appreciated. Mum inspired us all with her humility, compassion and courage. She will be terribly missed, but abides forever in the gentle grace of her Lord - a reward for which she is much deserving.
She is survived by her husband, Dave Kemp, sons, David and Steve, daughter Cathy, daughters-in-law Mary and Patty, grandchildren Ben and Gillian, and sister Rosemary. Special heartfelt thanks to Dana Bosch, mum's caregiver the past seven months.
A memorial service and reception will be held at Christ The Redeemer Church in Pender Harbour (approx. 1.5 hour drive from the Langdale ferry), 13625 Sunshine Coast Highway on Saturday April 13th at 12:30 pm. Please wear bright cheerful colours and be prepared to sing with joy and vigour!
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Christ The Redeemer Church or Stephen Lewis Foundation www.stephenlewisfoundation.org.