In Memory of Evelyn A. Keller

Obituary

New Hartford – Evelyn Amena Keller, 88, of New Hartford, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2019, at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare.

She was born November 16, 1930, in Patterson, NJ, a daughter of Norman and Jennie (Fanoun) Seakan. Evelyn attended Utica schools, and graduated from UFA in the Class of 1948. On July 4, 1951, she married Frederick J. Keller in Utica. Mr. Keller passed away on March 12, 2004.

Mrs. Keller retired from Price Chopper in 1992, after having worked there since 1970. At the time of her retirement she held the position of General Merchandise Manager for the four store locations in the Utica area. She was a communicant of St. Patrick’s – St. Anthony’s Parish in Chadwicks.

Evelyn was a very active golfer, and had played at numerous courses in the U.S. and Europe. She was an active member of The Cedar Lake Club. She was also a loyal NY Giants football and Syracuse Orange basketball fan. Evelyn enjoyed preparing various dishes of Syrian cuisine, and at one time was engaged in a business of supplying local grocery stores with homemade pierogies. She also enjoyed playing bridge at the New Hartford Senior Center, playing dominoes, and tackling huge jigsaw puzzles.  Once she became blessed with grandchildren and then great-granddaughters, she looked forward to every opportunity to spend time with them, and rarely missed a dance recital or sporting event in which they were involved.

She is survived by a daughter and her husband, Mary and Matthew Gaffey of Woodgate, and a son and his wife, David and Beverly Keller of Cortlandt Manor, NY; two grandchildren, Jordan Keller and Jessica and Scott Rey; three great-granddaughters, Lauren, Madison and Allyson Rey; a brother, Michael and Judy Seakan, and faithful neighbors, Robert and Mary Byrd. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a son, Thomas.

Her family would like to offer their sincere thanks to Dr. Alicia M. DeTraglia and staff for the wonderful years of life that Evelyn was able to enjoy while under her care.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 11 a.m. from St. Patrick’s – St. Anthony’s Parish, 3364 Oneida Street, Chadwicks. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Utica. Calling hours will be on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Road, New Hartford. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in Evelyn’s memory to the Western & Central New York Chapter, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 4043 Maple Road, STE 105, Amherst, NY  14226.