Eleanor V Keeler

Rotterdam – Eleanor V. Keeler, age 91, devoted wife and matriarch to the Keeler clan, passed away peacefully in her home on November 24th, 2021. Eleanor was the beloved wife of the late George J. Keeler for 65 years; their love was true, kind, respectful, deep, and eternal. Born in Queens, Eleanor was one of 12 children of the late Elizabeth and Eugene Conway. Siblings Eugene (Annette), Elizabeth (Charles), Joseph (Marilyn), Cecilia (William), Mary (Peter), Richard (Mary), Eileen (Lou), Donald (Vera), Carol (Donald), Phillip (Mary), Mildred (Henry). Eleanor leaves behind 7 children: George (Mary Jean), Stephen (Mary Ann), Kathleen Mullins (Michael), Kevin (Annie), Kenneth (Cheryll), Thomas (Christina), and Christopher (Terri). A grandma with a ready smile, a loving hug, and always there to listen; all 11 of her grandchildren loved to spend time with her: Jessica, Meagan, Emmett, Kimberly, Marisa, Wade, Richard, Sarah, Joshua, and 2 who left the family far too young, Rachael and Daniel. She is also survived by 7 great grandchildren, Kaiya, Giovanni, Owen, Ayden, Anabella, Harvey, William, and 2 great-great granddaughters, Rylee and Juliana, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. After graduating high school, Eleanor worked as a bookkeeper for Bell Telephone in NYC, tabulating employees’ hours for the weekly payroll. She married the love her life, George, in 1950 and soon after settled in Massapequa Park, Long Island, to raise their expanding family. They remained downstate until 1968, when George was promoted by Macy’s to help run the Colonie Center store and they moved north to a 5 bedroom home in Guilderland, NY. There, Eleanor developed a great love of flowers, shrubs, and trees, working together with George to add beautiful gardens and landscaping features to their home, something they would do at each home they had in the years to follow. Her family and friends were of great importance to Eleanor. She kept in regular contact with her siblings, keeping up on the details of her many, many nieces and nephews, and later their children. She and George enjoyed entertaining, as well as being guests; Eleanor could always be counted on to bring her large brown electric skillet with family favorites such as roulardin, goulash, or her famous “Shells”. Eleanor was an active member of St. Madeleine Sophie Church, singing in the choir and working in the food pantry, including helping to pack holiday food baskets. Eleanor also sang with the Schenectady Melodeers for many years and was a former member several sporting communities, including the Albany Curling Club, the Western Turnpike Golf Course, and the Town and Country Senior Bowling League. As part of supporting the broader community, Eleanor also volunteered with The Society of St. Vincent de Paul to help neighbors in need, worked the phones during WMHT/Channel 17 Fund Drives, and helped at Proctors Theatre both as an usher and in the Gift Shop. Her love of the arts and music, and her desire to help others inspired every part of her life. Eleanor had an uncanny way of commanding respect by her mere presence. In true matriarchal form, she was always the "glue" that held her family together. A natural ray of light, Eleanor brought positivity to every situation. A sister, a mom, an aunt, a grandma, a wise elder, and a friend, she touched the lives of many people across multiple generations. She listened with care and focus, and knew when to offer advice, when to tell it like it was, and when to simply offer a quiet nod, a shoulder to cry on, or a hand to hold. That was her superpower. Her wish to be in her home when she joined George in eternity was made possible because of the love she instilled in her family. Taking turns as caregivers, her family stood vigil at her bedside as she transitioned peacefully into the end of her physical life here on earth. With God’s word as her compass and the Lord as her light, Eleanor navigated her life with faith and grace. Calling hours will be 3-6 pm on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 5216 Western Turnpike, Guilderland, NY. The funeral will commence at 10 am on Wednesday, December 1st with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Madeleine Sophie Catholic Church, 3500 Carman Rd., Schenectady (Note: Per the diocese’s ruling, masks are required to be worn in church, regardless of vaccination status). Procession will follow to the Saratoga National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the St. Madeleine Sophie Food Pantry (3500 Carman Rd, Schenectady, NY 12303) are welcomed. The family would like to thank the staff of Community Hospice for their kindness.