Kathleen Marie (Kemp) Forrest's Obituary
Kathleen Marie (Kemp) Forrest, 80, of Syracuse, passed away on Thursday, February 14, 2019 at Crouse Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Born to the late Charles and Mary Vivian (Williams) Kemp, Kathy went on to graduate from St. Louis University with a PhD in English and taught for over 30 years at Onondaga Community College. She was one of the founders of the Writing Skills Center and retired as professor emeritus in Spring of 2005. A mother, a teacher, and a gardener, Kathy nurtured all those around her and helped them grow. She had a great love for the arts, reaching countless students and making English, Shakespeare, writing, and folklore accessible and engaging. She helped students find their voice and tell their stories. Kathy’s love of the arts extended to music, as she was a member of Syracuse folk group “The Salt City Song Miners” and several other music groups throughout her life. She was also active in theater.
Besides her parents, she is predeceased by her husband, William C. Forrest; a grandson, Cameron Forrest; brothers, George Allen Kemp and David Kemp; and a nephew, Daniel Kemp.
Kathy is survived by her beloved partner, Neil Novelli; son, Ted (Pui) Forrest; daughters, Kathryn (Tony) Chillemi and Sara (Janny Chaiyavet) Forrest; grandchildren, Kristin, Gina, Finn, and Tewa; great-grandchildren, Holly, Samantha, and Jacqueline; and many members of extended family who were very special to her.
Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Funeral Mass in celebration of Kathy’s life at 11 am at All Saints Church, Syracuse. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, DeWitt. Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Monday, February 18, 2019 at the funeral home, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.), North Syracuse, NY.
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