Elizabeth Ann Kemp

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Elizabeth Ann Kemp, 82, of Sonoma, died in her home on Dec. 2, 2016. Elizabeth was born in London in 1934 and lived through the bombing of London during World War II. Leaving England in her early 20s, she studied hotel management in Switzerland. In 1954, Elizabeth embarked on travels throughout the United States with her sister, Evelyn. She eventually settled in San Francisco where she met James Kemp. They married in 1962 and moved to Sonoma in 1967, where they have lived since.

Elizabeth cared for scores of Sonoma Valley children in a day care run out of her home for many years. Elizabeth worked tirelessly for the less fortunate in the Sonoma Valley. She volunteered with many local charitable organizations including FISH, La Luz, Vineyard Worker's Services, and SOS (Sonoma Overnight Support). Elizabeth helped organize temporary camps for migrant workers, started the Brown Bagger program to provide lunches on the streets, and worked to establish the first homeless shelter in Sonoma. She was honored for her work by being named the 2009 Alcaldessa of Sonoma.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband Jim; her children Bartholomew Kemp, Suzanna Bon, Victoria Handron, Julianna Grant and Benedict Kemp. She was the much beloved Granny to her 10 grandchildren. She will be missed by her large extended family in England and Australia.

A public service is planned for Sunday, Jan. 22 at Hanna Boys Center, 1:30 until 4 p.m. All are encouraged to honor her memory by taking action to improve the lives of others. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Brown Baggers, P.O. Box 478, Sonoma, CA 95476.

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