Mary Jo Kemper, age 89, of Fairfield, PA passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
She was born on December 9, 1935 in Baltimore, Maryland. Mary Jo spent her early years with Aunt Betty and Uncle Vaugh Eyler in Thurmont, Maryland.
Mary Jo married Richard “Dick” Kemper in 1953 in Emmitsburg, Maryland and raised their four children, Debbe Breach (Tim) of Dauphin, PA, Richard “Rich” Kemper, Jr. (Connie) of Fairfield, PA, Don Kemper (Cathy) of Aspers, PA and Denise Flood (Brad) of Waynesboro, PA.
In her early life Mary Jo worked as a waitress at several places including the Varsity Diner in Gettysburg, the Pennsupreme Dairy, Hoades Corner, and as a laborer at Gettysburg Transformer and the leather factory in Emmitsburg. She also worked for Charlie Ritz when Carroll Valley was known as Charnita. Then later became the manager of the High’s Store in Fairfield for many years.
Mary Jo retired as Cafeteria Supervisor at Mack Truck in Hagerstown after a number of years. Mary Jo made so many friends everywhere she went.
She spent many years volunteering for the Fairfield Fire Company and the Waynesboro Hospital and still spent time with her friends on a regular basis.
Mary Jo had many personal interests including camping, where she kept a permanent camp site at Saunderosa Campground in Mercersburg, PA for years. She loved to bowl and was a member of a league at Sunshine Lanes in Waynesboro.
In addition to her four children, she is survived by her grandchildren, Jim (Kelly) Reid of South Williamsport, PA, Jonathan (Hannah) Reid of Corning, NY, Julie (Chris) Ross of Muncy, PA, Michael (Lori) Kemper, Sr. of Orrtanna, PA, Kaycee Kemper of Cascade, MD, Shawn Kemper of Biglerville, PA, Chelsea (Magan) Kemper serving in Turkey, Apryl (Mike) Flohr of Fairfield, Chad (Nicole) Emory of Fairfield, Jenn (Tyler) Diamond of Fayetteville, PA, and Julie (Dustin) Flood of Waynesboro, twenty one great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and three siblings, Leroy “Butch” Corbin, Doris Updegraff and Larry Corbin.
She was predeceased by her mother, Genevieve Corbin, two grandsons, Jayme and Darin Kemper, her sister, Genevieve Corbin Karroll, her precious Aunt Betty and Uncle Vaugh Eyler and her former husband, Dick Kemper.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 12-4 p.m. at the Fairfield Fire Co. on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
A private graveside service and interment will take place at the Fairfield Union Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Franklin County, PA.
Online tributes and condolences can be made at the funeral home’s website.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Monahan Funeral Home.
