Blanche Kemp (née Ahenakew)

November 9, 1936 – June 11, 2025

 

With deep love and profound respect, we announce the passing of Blanche Kemp (née Ahenakew), who departed this life peacefully on June 11, 2025, at the age of 88.

Blanche was born on November 9, 1936, to Edith and Edwin Ahenakew of Ahtahkakoop First Nation. Blanche grew up on the reserve, where she was raised by love—an early foundation that shaped her compassion and resilience throughout her life.

In 1956 she wed her beloved husband, Marma and together had three children—Wayne, Brent, and Debbie—who were her world. She poured her heart into raising her family, always offering love, guidance, and a steady presence. Her children, and the generations that followed, were shaped by her strength, kindness, and example.

After raising her three children, Blanche made a courageous decision to return to school and pursue a career as a social worker—a profession she embraced with unwavering pride and dedication. For 29 years, she worked tirelessly with Indian Affairs, advocating for and supporting Indigenous communities with compassion and resilience. Blanche’s career was not just a job; it was a calling that reflected her deep commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Her retirement came after the passing of her beloved husband, marking the end of a significant chapter in her life. She then took this time to focus on raising her grandson Dylan who kept her busy with hockey.

Blanche lived a life of quiet strength, enduring faith, and unconditional love. She was proud of her heritage and firmly grounded in her values, which guided her every step. Her gentle spirit, unwavering kindness, and deep sense of compassion were the cornerstones of her life and the foundation of her family.

A devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Blanche was a source of comfort, wisdom, and quiet strength to all who knew her. She held the memories of her family close to her heart, sharing them through cherished stories and the way she lived her life—with dignity, humility, and a deep, unwavering love for those around her.

Her legacy lives on in the values she passed down—compassion, resilience, and grace—and in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Blanche is survived by her daughter Debbie Reynaud (Perry) and her son Brent Kemp; her grandsons Dylan Kemp, Jordan Reynaud and Brendon Reynaud (Sara); her chapan’s Madison and Harper Kemp, and Charlotte Reynaud; and her brothers Russel (Barbara), Henry (Julia) and Clifford (Leona) Ahenakew.

Blanche’s love, strength, and guidance will live on in each of them, as will the memory of a woman who gave so much of herself to both her family and her community.

A special thanks to the staff at River Breeze Retirement Complex who lovingly cared for her and made her feel part of their family. Also, thank you to the staff at the Victoria Hospital on level five and the staff at the Rose Garden Hospice for caring for her on her final days.

Visitation will take place on Friday, June 13, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.  A Celebration of Blanche’s Life will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Both services will be held at Gray’s Funeral Chapel, 575 28^th Street West, Prince Albert, SK.

Family and friends may leave online condolences at: https://grays.ca

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306) 922-4729, Michelle Brown, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2025-06-11
• Location : Prince Albert, SK