In Memory of Carolyn Joyce Keefe

Obituary

Carolyn Joyce Keefe, former lifelong resident of Canastota, born December 2, 1946 in Dunkirk, NY to Dr. Charles and Eileen Arnold, died peacefully on August 2, 2023.

She graduated from SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music in 1968 and married Larry Pearson of Schenectady, NY. On July 12, 1975 she married Greg Keefe of Canastota, NY and opened a private piano studio for piano and guitar lessons in Canastota, where Greg taught high school vocal music. Carolyn lived in Canastota through 2017 when she became a resident at the Presbyterian Home in New Hartford.

Carolyn’s piano studio ran for more than 40 years. She was a lifelong animal lover who cared for many dogs, cats, and birds throughout her life and contributed to many charitable foundations dedicated to conservation and animal welfare. She was the organist and choir director for St. John’s Episcopal Church in Oneida for more than a decade.

Carolyn was predeceased by her husband Greg in 2015, and by her brother, Doug Arnold, in 2012. She is survived by her son, Sean Pearson, his wife Valerie Martin-Pearson, and their daughter, Emily; by her sister Gail and her family; her nieces; and her brother-in-law and his family

Per Carolyn’s instructions, the family will not be holding any services. Anyone who wishes to make a donation in her memory can do so to the Presbyterian Home at 4290 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413.

Arrangements are with Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, New Hartford.