Judith Darrell-Kemp
Judith Darrell-Kemp passed from this life Thursday August 13, 2020 at home in Milton after a three-year battle with ovarian cancer surrounded by her loving family.
Judith leaves behind her devoted husband of 48 years Thomas Kemp and her adoring and adored son Ian Darrell Kemp. She also leaves brothers John G. Darrell of Needham, Henry Darrell of Hingham, a sister Mary Louise Darrell of Randolph, nephews Nicholas Freije Darrell and Alexander Freije Darrell of Needham and a niece Claire Fitz of Oakdale New York. She also leaves many many dear friends who saw her as their best friend, honorary aunt, and mentor, grieving her loss. She was also a favorite cousin to many.
Judith was born in Boston November 5, 1949, attended elementary and high school there and graduated from Boston University and New England School of Law. Judith’s law practice focused on contracts and intellectual property with a focus on writers and film makers. She was very skillful in giving structure to creative partnerships. She also assisted many clients with a variety of pressing legal issues. Judith’s passion was the natural world. She was an avid gardener with a beautiful vision and graceful touch. She was happiest in her gardens with clippers in her hand. She was a member of the Garden Club of Milton for over 30 years, through which she lobbied for environmental issues in Washington many times. In Milton she spearheaded Garden Club efforts to save historic formal gardens. Judith was also an active supporter of the Trailside Museum, its native wildflower garden and Friends of the Blue Hills.
Judith served for many years on the Milton Conservation Commission and was a strong advocate for the preservation of the natural spaces in her town, particularly the preservation and planting of native trees and plants, protecting natural spaces from light pollution, and the protection of waterways and wetlands.
First Parish Unitarian Universalist in Milton was her spiritual home for over 30 years. She served on many committees at First Parish over the years and donated her legal skills to help the church contract to install a solar power system.
Funeral services will be private and a much-deserved celebration of her life will be held at First Parish when it is safe to do so. She will be profoundly missed by many.
Guestbook Entries
Tom and Ian, Lee and I are so saddened to hear of Jude’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Ian, and her many loved friends and family. Please know we are thinking of you all and sending our love and prayers to you all.
Our hearts are broken. Jude was a wonderful, compassionate, perceptive, loving human and a great friend. To say she will be missed is a gigantic understatement. We send all our warmth & affection to Tom, Ian & her whole family. She was such a rewarding presence. I will surely miss talking with her. Look forward to the pandemic’s end and a chance to be with her family & friends at a later service.
We loved this accomplished woman, as so many did. What a beautiful and meaningful life she lived, loved by so many, though by no one more than Tom and Ian. We were always struck by her intelligence, her love of home an family, and her thoughtfulness. The Christmas parties Tom and she threw were legendary and a testimony to how they had attracted a wide group of talented friends. We were proud to be among them. We will miss her but hope that eventually their so very many happy memories will sustain you, dear Tom and Ian and the rest of her friends and family.
Judy and I have a long history. Both our mothers went to St. Gregory’s School And High School as Judy and I did. She was always a warm, kind hearted person. So sorry to learn of her passing.
Keep your face always toward the sunshine
and shadows will be behind you
Dear Tom, Ian and family,
Bill and I are heartbroken to hear of Judy’s passing…her constant beautiful smile and gentle spirit will be sadly missed..she was one of the kindest women I have ever met and will remember all the family gatherings fondly…may her beauty smile on!
Love to you all,
Bill and Debbie Brown
Arlene and I would like to express our sincerest condolences on the passing of Judith.As you told me on our recent conversation,she fought the good fight.She will be missed by everyone who knew her.God Bless and may she Rest In Peace
Dear Tom and Ian,
We have so many rich and wonderful memories of Judith. Most vivid are of Jude as a young mother devoted to you and Ian, and full of life and joy. She was so bright and perceptive and was always warm and welcoming to us.
We are grieving her loss with you.
Carla and Bill as well as Nate and Max
Tom and Ian,
JJ, Ellie, Des and I will miss our dear neighbor Judith so much. She was kind, smart, quirky and always a truly good neighbor and friend, especially to my parents. A real community member as this obituary reflects. We are away this week but I hope that we will see you both soon and please know we are thinking of you and wishing you peace.
All our best,
The Burke-O’Connors.
Tom and Ian – Judith was a remarkably strong woman whose love for you was evident in her every word. Hold each other tight during this unbearably difficult time. We all will miss her but will forever cherish the joy she brought to our lives. Hoping the laughter of fond memories will help you find peace, we grieve with you.
The Walkers
Judith’s passing leaves a large hole in the MGC and around the Milton community. She was such a force for preservation with her knowledge, leadership and passion for the natural world. She was thorough yet fair. She will be greatly missed.
Fondly,
Rachel Hitt, MGC
Tom & Ian, my heart goes out to you from the news of our beloved dear friend Jude’s passing. The world is a better place because of Jude. Our dinner 8 or 9 years ago in Milton brings back fond memories & was very instrumental in Laurie getting to knowJude much more also.Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to both of you and Jude’s wonderful family.
With love & respect to my old friend Tom and proud son Ian.
Terry & Laurie