Elizabeth J. Keeler

Schodack - Elizabeth J. Keeler, 97, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2024, in Schodack, NY. Born on February 26, 1926, in Hudson, NY, Elizabeth Marguerite “Betty” (Jennings) Keeler was the loving wife of her predeceased husband Francis E. Keeler. She was the daughter of the late Fred and Sophie (Spath) Jennings. She was also the sister of the late Arthur Jennings and the late Arlene (Jennings) Unson. Betty Keeler was a graduate of Hudson High School. She married Francis, better known as Fran, on October 12th, 1946. Together they raised six children. Trips between the Spook Rock Road farmhouse and Hudson were plentiful and constant at that time, particularly to Allen Street for the many Saint Mary’s High School (as well as grade school) activities the family members were involved in. High School basketball games were routinely attended. In addition to meeting the many daily needs at home Betty decided to take a job to help support the family. While Fran ran the family Keeler dairy farm with his brothers, Betty became a very familiar figure within the Columbia County agricultural community by way of her many years being employed at the Claverack Agway. In addition to her primary role as bookkeeper she was often at the counter assisting area farmers. The two were well recognized for the many years they spent serving the Town of Greenport and Columbia County. Betty was always at her husband’s side as he served multiple terms as Town Justice and Town Supervisor for the Town of Greenport. Both Betty and Fran were dedicated to and served both the Town of Greenport and Columbia County Democratic Party(s) for decades. In addition to formalized roles such as Betty’s terms as a Town of Greenport Democratic Committee member and Fran’s role as the Columbia County’s Democratic Party Chairman the two spent endless days and hours organizing and carrying out the many party functions such as the annual Democratic Party banquets and annual summer picnics, and campaigning for the local Democratic Party candidates. In later years, including when their considerable amount of activity with the Democratic Party had lessened, Betty was recruited for, and readily accepted, additional local public service roles and appointments consistent with her interest in Columbia County history. She was a life member of the Greenport Historical Society and served as a Board Member for the Olana State Historic Site. Betty managed to carve out time to pursue some favorite passions of hers. Her fondness for antiques led her to numerous antique shops throughout Columbia County and beyond. Her travels included visiting her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren on Cape Cod and in Vermont, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida and California, as well as trips to the University of Notre Dame. Betty was an avid reader with her latest favorite book just an arm’s length away. She was a former member of the Hudson Fortnightly Club, a reading club. Betty Keeler was a devote Catholic with lifelong active participation and support for St. Mary’s Church in Hudson (now Holy Trinity Parish) and a member of the Catholic Daughters of America for over 50 years. She was very active with Senior Citizen groups within Columbia County. She is survived by her six children: David Keeler (Patricia Gaffney) of Randolph, N.J., Francis Keeler (Gail Gorsline) of Colchester, VT, Mark Keeler (Cathy Draffin) of Greenport, Mary Keeler Beaudoin (William Beaudoin ) of Guilderland, Shaun Keeler of Colonie, and Betty Anne Keeler Whitbeck (Stephen Whitbeck ) of Schodack. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Visiting hours are from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 4th at the Bates and Anderson, Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson, NY. Funeral services are Monday, 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s in Hudson, NY. Interment will be in the Cedar Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice at The Community Hospice, 310 South Manning Boulevard, Albany, NY 12208. Donations may also be made to St. Mary’s in Hudson, NY.

Elizabeth J. Keeler

February 26, 1926 - January 28, 2024

Navigation

Address

Contact Us

Elizabeth J. Keeler

February 26, 1926 - January 28, 2024

Navigation

Address

Contact Us

365 Days of Grief Support