Elinor M. “Lee” (Hecox) Kemp, 90, passed away at home on Thursday, March 8, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. Elinor was born in Utica on January 6, 1928, a daughter of George J. and Grace (Ohl) Hecox. She was raised and educated in Utica and was a graduate of St. Frances de Sales High School. Elinor was united in marriage to Stanley F. Kemp on August 9, 1952 at St. Francis de Sales Church, a blessed union of 57 years until his death in 2009. For many years until her retirement in 1990, Elinor was employed with Commercial Travelers Insurance Co. She was a parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Church and a member of the NAVY Wives Club of America. For 25 years, Elinor “Lee” devoted her time to her country as the wife of a career NAVY man, all the while raising their growing family. Together they made their home in several US states, including CA, IL, VA, and FL, before coming back home to NY in 1969. From that point forward, Lee began working fulltime, yet remained ever-present for her family. Not only was there always dinner on the table for her own children, but more often than not for several of her grandchildren, whom she cared for regularly. Their house served as “Home Base” for so many. With a true understanding that “it takes a village”, Lee played a role in the lives of her nieces and nephews, and the children of friends and neighbors. Anyone who grew up within a 2 block radius of 103 Seward Ave remembers that when Mrs. Kemp’s whistle pierced the air, dinner was ready or it was time to come in for the night. Lee and her husband Stan (Kempie) shared a rare love that grew stronger with time. They were the smoothest dancers on the floor, formidable opponents in pinochle and pitch, sharks at the pool table, and champion bowlers. They taught their children and grandchildren countless life lessons, passing on sound values, most especially their love of family. A devout Catholic, Lee had a strong faith that carried her through both good times and bad. Her family takes comfort in the thought that she is now reunited with the love of her life. Elinor is survived by her eight children, Gail Dreimiller (Tom), KY, Debbie Potaczala, New Hartford, Gary Kemp (Cecile), TX, Mary Kemp, New Hartford, Steven Kemp (Darlene), Waterville, Jeanne Griffiths (Robert), Whitesboro, Sandy Sheffield (Kevin), Hamburg, NY, and Margaret Kemp (Mark Perrin), New Hartford, 17 Grandchildren, Jennifer Cary (Nathan), Lori Dreimiller, Christine Potaczala, Brian Potaczala (Danielle), Colleen Potaczala, Lauren Szczepinski (Shaun), Kristin Wade (Aaron), Gary M. Kemp, Jr. (Brittany Stubblefield), Shannon Brady (Matt), Daniel Kemp, Robert Kelly (Diane Olivadese), Matthew Kelly, Eric Sheffield, Katie Sheffield, Ali Nelson, Lizzie Nelson, and Katie Nelson, two sisters, Margaret (Peg) Hecox, Utica and Frances (Fran) Roemer (Dan), Utica, sister-in-law, Matilda Hecox, favorite cousin, Tommy Evans, son-in-law, Mark Potaczala, and lifelong friend, Jean Morris. Elinor is also survived by 7 great grandchildren and two more expected, many nieces and nephews and her canine companion, Benji. Elinor was predeceased by a sister, Dewey Cox (Bob), three brothers, Jimmy Hecox (June), Pete Hecox, and Mike Hecox, and a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Manning. Mrs. Kemp’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 10:15 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica and at 11:00 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Utica. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro, Calling hours at the funeral home are Tuesday from 4-7. Those so wishing may make donations to Hospice and Palliative Care Inc. or St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Elinor’s memory. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Home Health Care aide Rita Foley, Hospice & Palliative Care and the 5th floor nurses of Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare for All the loving care given to Lee.