Iona C. Kemp

Iona C. Kemp NORTH MIDDLESEX — Iona Christine Kemp, a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, godmother, great aunt, and community member, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, and close friends Frank and Jill Michaud, at the McClure Miller Respite Center, on March 19, 2025, just shy of her 62nd birthday. Born in Montpelier, Vermont, on March 26, 1963, Iona made a lasting impact on everyone she encountered through her unwavering kindness and dedication to her work and community. After graduating from Montpelier High School in 1981, Iona went on to earn an associate degree from Champlain College. Before retiring in 2022, she devoted her career of 38 years as the Senior Commercial Portfolio Manager of VT Business and Banking at People's United Bank, formally known as Chittenden Bank. Her expertise and commitment were not only recognized in her professional life but also reflected in her active involvement in her community. Iona participated in the Montpelier Cribbage League, where she forged wonderful friendships. As a passionate volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and serving on the Board of Directors, she dedicated her time and knowledge to helping others build better lives. She also utilized her gardening talents while volunteering at Revitalizing Waterbury by bringing beauty to the community. Iona was also a loved and respected member of the Central Vermont Boating Club where she spent much of the spring and summer months kayaking, going on pontoon rides, and sharing stories and laughter around a campfire. She often shared her love of the Club and the close friendships she made there, referring to it as her "happy place". She is survived by her beloved pets, Tika and Mr. T, as well as her cherished and loving family; brother, Eric Kemp and his wife, Linda of North Middlesex; nephew, Eric N. Kemp, his wife Serena, and their daughter Alexa (Iona's only great niece) of Moretown; niece, Kristy Pirie and her husband, Gordon of Williamstown; niece and goddaughter, Samantha Iona Kemp of West Berlin; niece, Kayla Gallagher and her fiancé, Angus Macaskill of Barre; step-siblings, Leonard Gallagher of Plainfield, and Dawn Gallagher of St. Johnsbury; as well as uncles, aunts, and cousins. Iona was predeceased by her parents Barbara and Donald Gallagher. Iona's spirit and kindness will be honored at her Celebration of Life, which will take place this spring and will be announced at a later date via an updated obituary and her social media page. In this time of mourning, let us remember Iona not just with sadness but with gratitude for the warmth, laughter, and love she radiated to everyone around her. In celebrating her extraordinary life, we hold onto her legacy of independence, strength, kindness, community service, and unwavering support. Iona received exceptional care from the National Life Cancer Center. Her doctor and nurses treated Iona like family, creating friendships that carried through to the end of her life. Those looking to make donations in Iona's honor are asked to do so to the National Life Cancer Center. As Iona always ended her social media updates, “It’s going to be a great day! I’m going to have a great day, you’re going to have a great day, and I love you all”.