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ELIZABETH KEMP
Born: Oct 12, 1942
Date of Passing: Jul 15, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryELIZABETH KEMP
Elizabeth Kemp passed away peacefully with family by her side on July 15, 2026.
She is lovingly remembered by her children, Paul (Jill), Michael (Jackie), and Janet (Jay); her grandchildren, James, Audrey, and Annika Kemp; Marcus, Nathan, and Vanessa Kemp; and Emmett and Julia Onysko; and by her brother, Francis Trueman. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, John; and her parents, Margaret (Dowse) and James Trueman. Elizabeth also shared close relationships with extended family, including the Bollman, Vulliez, and Kim families. Family and friends were everything to her, and she was always eager to hear the latest stories about those she cared about.
Elizabeth grew up on Fulham Ave. and spent her childhood summers at her family's cottage in Matlock. She attended several schools in south Winnipeg, including the "old" Gordon Bell high school, before earning Arts (in English) and Education degrees from the University of Manitoba. She went on to a 20 plus year career teaching from K-12 in Winnipeg School Division No. 1 at various schools.
Elizabeth visited 75 countries, enjoying the culture, food, history, and religions of each. Among her favourites were the jungles of Costa Rica; Israel and Egypt for their extraordinary history; Iceland; Zimbabwe; and the historic US cities of Savannah and Charleston. She caught the travel bug at age 21 when she hitchhiked through 17 European countries. John was her favourite travel companion. No matter how inaccessible a destination seemed, Elizabeth found a way to ensure he experienced the world despite living with MS.
Nearly every winter, Elizabeth and John returned to their "paradise" in Maui. After John's passing, she continued going there with family. Summers were equally special; spent at the family cottage they built together at Victoria Beach. A gathering place for the whole family.
Elizabeth loved curling and her dance aerobics classes. She was also a devoted Winnipeg Blue Bombers fan. Together with John, she shared a passion for track and field and took immense pride in watching her children and grandchildren excel as runners.
One of her greatest talents was stretching a nearly empty fridge farther than seemed possible. She was a talented, creative chef.
Elizabeth had a dry sense of humour and delighted in making her grandchildren giggle. They affectionately nicknamed her "The Nose" because of her uncanny ability to smell absolutely everything, like a bloodhound.
Elizabeth had an opinion on just about everything and never shied away from an argument. She was unfiltered and always spoke her mind. Whether or not you agreed with her, there was no denying how clever she was. She was an avid reader, news junkie, puzzle solver, and lifelong learner - qualities that helped make her the Jeopardy! champion at her retirement residence.
She will be dearly missed.
Donations can be made in her name to Ovarian Cancer Canada or the MS Society of Manitoba.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2026
