Obituary of Margaret Graham Kemper

Margaret Graham Kemper November 7, 1950 - December 4, 2013 Margaret "Meg" Graham Kemper, a loving wife, mother, and friend who embraced the gifts of life, passed away on Wednesday, December 4th at the age of 63. She bravely faced cancer for six and half years and will forever remain a source of warmth and strength to all who knew her. She died at her home in Chapel Hill surrounded by her family. Meg was born on November 7, 1950 in Harrisonburg, Virginia and was raised on her family's farm in the Shenandoah Valley. She was the youngest of the three children of George Whitfield Kemper III and Helen Farley Kemper. Quite the tomboy, Meg loved playing games and helping her father on the farm. Her early years instilled a love of the outdoors that would remain an important part of her life. After graduating from Montevideo High School in Penn Laird, Virginia, Meg attended Westhampton College at the University of Richmond where she graduated in 1973 with a degree in Psychology. She earned a master's degree in School Psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1975 and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Duke University in 1980. Meg spent the next 32 years working as a therapist in private practice and with the Counseling and Psychology Services at UNC-Greensboro and UNC-Chapel Hill. Meg valued the many relationships she built with her clients and cherished the opportunity to support others. Meg met her husband, Michael Patrick, at a UNC party and they later married at the Chapel of the Cross in Chapel Hill in 1981. They enjoyed camping, hiking, and traveling to National Parks. Their daughter, Susan, was born in 1985 and their son, Will, was born in 1988. Shortly before her death, Meg said that her happiest moments were raising her children. She believed strongly in the importance of being physically and emotionally present for those that she loved. She showed her love through countless hours of cheering on her children, organizing trips to the beach and mountains, and leading her family in silly and serious traditions. After her cancer diagnosis, Meg felt strongly about upholding these family traditions and also seized the opportunity to take multiple international trips with her family. Meg loved being active, spending time outdoors, reading, baking, and gardening. An athlete since childhood, she started running in college and was training for a marathon when she was diagnosed with cancer. Her competitive spirit came out while shooting hoops with her son or playing rousing board and card games with her family. Meg treasured her daily walks along Morgan Creek behind her family's home. She loved to read and shared many recommendations and reflections with her daughter and friends. She became an avid gardener and nurtured the many plants, trees, and flowers around her home. As with her garden, Meg always took great care of the people closest to her. She enveloped everyone with kindness and provided unconditional support to her family and friends. She offered a patient and attentive ear and had a knack for setting people at ease. In her quiet and humble way, she helped those around her become the best versions of themselves. Although it ended too soon, her life was full of love. Meg is survived by her husband of 32 years Michael Patrick, her son William Patrick, her daughter Susan Patrick, her son-in-law Peter Muller, her sister Sue Parker, her brother Whit Kemper, and many loving family members. Meg's family would like to express their gratitude to the many friends, family, and neighbors who have provided support and care in the past six years. They particularly want to thank Meg's sister Sue Parker, her sister-in-law Peggy Spain, and her dear friends Pam Bailey and Anne Mulkern. In lieu of flowers, her family would suggest memorial donations in Meg's name to the North Carolina Botanical Gardens, UNC-Chapel Hill, Campus Box 3375, Chapel Hill, NC 27599. Meg's life will be celebrated in a private ceremony that will be scheduled in January. An online memorial page can be found at www.megkemper.com.