Mary Kay (Fitzgerald) Kempton was born on January 24, 1942, the daughter of Dawson "Blackie" and Dorothy Fitzgerald. She passed away following a brief illness on August 13, 2016.

After graduating from East High School in Superior in 1959, she married Lawrence "Butch" Kempton the following year and they recently celebrated 56 years of marriage. A life-long Superior resident, Mary Kay retired after a 30-plus year career as an in-home daycare provider. She had an immense love for children, and continued close relationships with many of the children she cared for over the years.

Mary Kay was deeply proud of her Irish heritage and took particular joy in celebrating St. Patrick's Day annually with friends and family. She enjoyed collecting Irish figurines and Christmas ornaments, which graced her tree every year during the holidays. She was also devoted to her little dog, Buddy, who brought her a great deal of happiness.

She is preceded in death by her parents, a son, Robert Dawson Kempton and her brother, Glenn Fitzgerald. Mary Kay is survived by her husband Lawrence "Butch" Kempton, her children, Lori Kempton, Kim (Jim) Kowitz, Lawrence "Butch" Jr., Christopher Kempton, her sisters Colleen (Warren) Gooch and Lizann Fitzgerald, grandchildren Jessa Wicklund, Dylan Ramage, Alex Simard, Ashley McDonald, Ben (Kira) Kowitz and Chelsea (Gene) Russell, as well as great grandchildren Sonja Russell, future-arrival baby girl Russell and Adin McDonald. She will also be missed by Victoria Main, Matthew Higgins and many other special friends and relatives.

A celebration of Mary Kay's life will be held at 12:00pm on Wednesday, August 17, at Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior, Wisconsin, with Father Andrew Ricci, celebrant. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Pallbearers will be Jim Kowitz, Ben Kowitz, Gene Russell, Dylan Ramage, Lawrence Kempton, Jr. and Christopher Kempton.

The family would like to thank the physicians and staff at St. Luke's hospital for their attentive care and support during Mary Kay's illness.