Shrewsbury – Yvette Clara (Gemme) Kumpey, 93, of the Southgate community, died Thursday, March 22, 2018 at St. Vincent Hospital. She led an active and full life, and will be greatly missed.
She was born on March 16, 1925 in Worcester, daughter of Charles Paul Gemme and Alma LaCasse Gemme. Yvette was predeceased by her husband of 40 years, Harry W. Kumpey, and her step-mother, Marie Ann (LeBlanc) Gemme. She was also predeceased by her three sisters, Cecile Krantz, Rita Butts, and Lucie Anderson Fried, and her step-brothers, Laurence LeBlanc and his wife Constance, and Omer LeBlanc. She leaves her two sons, H. William Kumpey of Santa Fe, N.M. and Alan W. Kumpey and his wife Patricia of Maynard; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She also leaves her life partner, Bradford Greason, and her extended Greason family.
Yvette was raised in Worcester and attended St. Ann’s Academy in Marlborough, St. Peter’s High School in Worcester, and the Worcester School of Accounting.
Honing her organizational skills while in school, Yvette worked as Payroll Clerk for the Worcester Lunch Car Company. She then went on to be Office Manager and Accountant for United Structural Steel Co., and supervised the accounting and FAA reporting at the Bolton Airport. It was not all work at the airport however; she earned her private pilot’s license at age 19 and enjoyed many hours in the air, including participation in the Powder Puff Derby. Her second career found Yvette doing 30 years of tax work for H&R Block, retiring at age 84.
Yvette was active in a number of organizations, including the National Aeronautic Association, the Worcester Tennis Club, the Plantation Golf and Country Club, and she was a charter member of the International Country Club. She was a current Life Member of Worcester Country Club. When she wasn’t reading or playing bridge, you might have found her on the golf course or tennis court. She also had a great love for art, music and the opera.
Her positive outlook on life and great sense of humor touched many people. Yvette’s penchant for organization was helpful as she volunteered at Assumption College, the Science Museum and the Worcester Art Museum. She served on the Board of the Worcester Foundation Auxiliary.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 7, at 11 a.m., in the Chapel at Southgate, 30 Julio Dr., Shrewsbury.
