Eleanor C. McKey

McKEY, Eleanor C. Brookline, Massachusetts, died on October 10, 2008. She was 80. Eleanor was the daughter of the late U. Haskell Crocker and Eleanor B. Crocker of Manchester-by-the-Sea. She was first married to Edward A. Taft, Jr., of Boston, with whom she raised two children in Manchester. Edward was the founding director of the New England Aquarium until his untimely death in 1967. In his absence, Eleanor performed the seaweed-cutting ceremony to open the Aquarium in 1969. An introduction on the ice at The Skating Club of Boston eventually led to her marriage to John McKey of Boston in 1973. For over 30 years, Eleanor and John McKey swept elegantly through the amateur competitive dance world, first in ice dancing and later in ballroom dancing. They were three-time New England Senior Champions in ice dancing; they were four-time U.S. and one-time North American Senior Champions in ballroom dancing. They lived for many years in Chestnut Hill and Brookline; they also maintained a home at the John's Island Club in Vero Beach, Florida. After retiring from competition, they continued ballroom dancing for pleasure, as well as pursuing their other hobbies of painting, studying French, and traveling throughout France. Eleanor is survived by her husband; three siblings: Edgar Crocker, Augusta Stewart, and Robert Crocker; two children: Edward and David Taft; three grandchildren: Nicholas, Christopher, and Timothy Taft; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on November 1, 11:00 am, at the Church of the Redeemer, 379 Hammond Street, Chestnut Hill. The interment will be private. Donations may be made in Eleanor's memory to Faulkner Hospital, 1153 Center St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, or to Nativity Preparatory School, 39 Lamartine Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. Arrangements by the Campbell - Lee, Moody, Russell Funeral Home, 9 Dane St., Beverly, MA. Information, directions, condolencesat www.campbellfuneral.com.