Marcia Alexandria-Ann Kemp

Marcia Alexandria-Ann Kemp, a beloved wife, devoted mother, cherished sister, caring aunt, and loyal friend, entered into eternal rest on March 28, 2025, following a long and courageous battle with her health. Throughout her journey, she faced each challenge with strength, grace, and unwavering faith, leaving a legacy of resilience and love that will be forever remembered by all who knew her.

She was born on July 20, 1963 in Georgetown, Guyana, South America.  The eldest of four children, she took her responsibilities of being the “big sister” very seriously, often taking on the role of being the “second mother.”  She immigrated to the United States with her parents and three younger siblings in March of 1979.  Her family settled in New Haven, CT where Marcia attended Richard C. Lee High school.  She excelled both academically and musically, earning recognition for her vocal talent by winning all-state competitions before graduating in June of 1982. Guided by her natural inclination to help and care for others, she pursued a career in healthcare. She obtained her Licensed Practical Nursing Certification and began her successful career in nursing at Soundview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in West Haven, CT. It is there that she met the love of her life, William Kemp, through her lifelong best friend, Maxine Jones-Singleton.  The two married on January 18, 1992 in an intimate ceremony surrounded by family and friends.

Marcia went on to work at the Hospital of St. Raphael (Yale-New Haven) in 1987, holding various roles over the years and ultimately serving as a Drug Safety Manager. She retired in 2015, concluding a career of over 30 years in the healthcare field.  Once retired, she pursued her passion for cooking.  She graduated from Lincoln Culinary Institute in 2017 fulfilling her heartfelt aspirations of becoming a chef.  In 2018, along with her husband, Marcia opened up her restaurant, International Tastebuds, in the same community that she raised her family.  She loved to cook and entertain, and you could consider yourself fortunate if you ever had the opportunity to taste one of her meals.  During this time, Marcia embraced the Islamic faith, finding comfort, strength, and spiritual fulfillment in its teachings.

Marcia was predeceased in death by her parents, Cedric and Venus Duncan; grand-mother Stella Nurse; and aunt Emera Clonmell.

She is survived by her husband William Kemp and their children Tameka Stevenson, and Joshua (Jeniaya) Stevenson; grand-daughter Nola Stevenson; siblings Karen Rourke, Ian (Lisa) Duncan, and Tatyana Duncan; nieces and nephews Christopher (Karalyn) Duncan, Beonca Duncan, Jessica (Chris) Maurer, Leshia (Rick) Munford, April Rourke, Shane Rourke, and Stella Singh; aunts Gem (Kenneth) VanCooten and Sheila Bascom; uncles Leonard (Yvonne) Lynch and Jerome Duncan; step-mother Jasmine Duncan; and a host of cousins, great nieces, great-nephews, godchildren and friends.  In addition to her immediate family, she leaves behind a large and loving extended family to cherish her memory.

She will forever live on in our hearts, in the laughter around the dinner table, the traditions she helped create, and the quiet strength she showed in everyday moments. Her love, guidance, and presence shaped our lives in ways that will never be forgotten.

The family would like you to join them in a celebration of her life.  If you are able, please wear a shade of purple

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025 c alling hours at 10:00 am, c elebration of life at 11:00am at Colonial Funerals 86 Circular Avenue, Hamden, CT 06514. Condolences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com.