5/12/27-3/21/06

Maye Kempski, 78, of West Seattle died peacefully at home on March 21 after a long struggle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Her tenacious spirit and iron will served her well throughout her life. During WWII at age 18 she was a true "Rosie the Riveter" at the naval shipyard in Bremerton. She had various jobs in Bremerton until she moved to West Seattle in 1983. She volunteered in the soup kitchen at Holy Rosary Parish until being hired as a medical receptionist.

She overcame many medical challenges and triumphed over several cancers. At age 66, she took a job at the West Seattle Target store for over 10 years until failing health forced her retirement in 2003. Her generous heart and quick wit will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her daughters Laura Nowka of Seattle, Linda Munns of Homer, Alaska, grandchildren: Karen (Nowka) Hicks, Natalie Nowka, Brian Nowka, Tyler Munns, Emily Munns, great-grandchildren Michael Munns and Evelyn Rose Hicks, and nephew Warren Hicks of Bremerton and cousins in Eastern Washington.

There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday April 22 at Alki Congregational United Church of Christ in West Seattle - 6115 SW Hinds Street - For information, call (206)938-1927.

Memorial donations to: Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation

1332 No. Halsted Street-201

Chicago, IL. 60622