Lucille Sharp Kemple

Lucille (Cele) Sharp Kemple 9/30/20 - 6/9/2012. Our family and friends have lost a special illuminating spirit. Cele passed away peacefully at Hospicare after a short illness.Born in Los Angeles, California, Cele spent the first years in Chihuahua Mexico where her father was the manager of a silvermine during the Mexican Revolution. Her stories of Pancho Villa became family lore. Celes' family moved back to New York where she enrolled in Wheaton College and graduated in 1942 with majors in English and History. She was a young copy journalist with NBC when she met and married Fredrick T. Kemple in 1947. They lived in Rye, N.Y. and had 2 children.Cele took after her parents as she found her true passion for gardening. Through study and a keen eye, Cele became a master gardener, past president of 3 garden clubs, judges council, district director, and editor of publications. She was a member of the Federated Garden Club of N.Y. and horticultural chair person. Cele was also a member of PEO sisterhood, a philanthropic organization, as well as a steadfast environmentalist. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.Cele was a mon, grandma (great), mentor, and a gracious lady. Selfless and kind she will be remembered by all.Cele is survived by her daughter Lucinda K Jacobs (David Skolfield) of Ithaca, grandsons Neil S. Kemple of Va., Benjamin M Jacobs (Erin) of PA, great grandchildren Bear and Evelyn Jacobs, sister Pamela B. Sharp of N.M., nieces Donne May Ferguson and Marion Cardell, and cousin Paul Winchell. Cele was preceded in death by her husband Fredrick T. Kemple, son Robert S. Kemple, sister Barbara S. Ferguson, brother Thomas W. Sharp, and grandson Samuel K. Jacobs.A celebration of Celes' life will be announced at a later date to be held at the Country Club of Ithaca. Bangs Funeral Home will be handling arrangements.Special thanks go to all her "Sisters" of the Ithaca Garden Club and PEO for their steadfast love and support of Cele and her family, and to the gracious caring staff of Hospicare, Bangs Ambulance Service, and Classens Home Health Care.A celebration of Cele's life will be held on Sunday, August 5th at 4:00 p.m. at the Country Club of Ithaca. Please bring one flower for a memorial bouquet. Remembrances are welcome. Memorial contributions can be made to the Ithaca Garden Club c/o Wendy Blanchard, 130 E. State St, Ithaca, NY 14850. Bangs Funeral is assisting the family.