Ann Theresa Kempner

Ann Theresa Kempner, 79, of Southold, New York, and St. Augustine, Florida, passed away at her Southold home on September 23, 2011.

She was born in Brooklyn on December 26, 1931, to Anna and William Durgin. She was raised in an orphanage from the age of 2 until moving to her foster home in Baldwin at the age of 12, where she met her lifelong friend and future loving husband of 50 years, Stanley.

A self-made woman with a powerful compassion for children, Ann worked her way through Brockport College to earn a teaching degree. She later earned a master’s of science degree from SUNY/Stony Brook School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences in 1973, writing thesis and curricula focused on public attitudes and actions regarding salt marshes to bring attention to wetlands conservation.

Ann was an innovative, engaged teacher who was loved by her students for her unique teaching techniques that focused students on environmental awareness and every student’s ability to play an important role in both larger society and their immediate environment.

After retirement, Ann obtained a Life Master of bridge along with her dedicated partner, Stanley, playing in national tournaments up and down the East Coast and as far away as Honolulu.

A loving wife, mother and grandmother, Ann was predeceased by her devoted husband, Stanley, in 2005 and is survived by her children, Kevin Kempner of Stamford, Conn., Valerie Compo of Doylestown, Pa., Gregory Kempner of Wyndmoor, Pa., and Christina Kempner of Greenport, N.Y.; seven grandchildren, Alex, Jesse and Max Compo; Jordan and Sydney Kempner; and Samara and Koko Takemoto; and her loving dog Boomer. Her beloved and adored older sister, Mary, predeceased her.

Ann created a rich life full of love and was laid to rest on September 28, 2011, at Calverton National Cemetery alongside her loving husband, Stanley.

Memorial donations may be made to Eastern Long Island Hospital.

Arrangements were entrusted to DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Homes.

This is a paid notice.