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1937
2017
Anna Marie Uzdilla Keefer passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2017.
Anne was born in Wilkes-Barre on Aug. 5, 1937, to Edmond and Anna Uzdilla.
Anne graduated at the top of her class from Hanover Memorial High School in 1955. After graduation, Anne became a secretary at the Atwater Co., and later served in various medical and insurance positions at doctor's offices throughout the region.
Anne was a vibrant woman whose intelligence, devotion and quick wit blessed every person and institution she came in contact with. After marrying Maj. John J. Keefer at Patuxet River Naval Air Station in 1976, Anne became an invaluable asset to the family business, Keefer's Army Navy. Her gregarious nature, book-smarts and confidence quickly translated to business savvy, and bolstered her leadership position in her community.
Anne's strong civic relationships prompted her to join the Wilkes-Barre Rotary Club. Always exceptional, Anne was the first woman ever to be inducted into the chapter.
While deftly balancing motherhood and professional life, Anne dedicated her spare time to scholarship interviews, hosting foreign exchange students and participating wholeheartedly in all facets of Rotary International. Her commitment to the cause was recognized when Anne was awarded the Paul Harris Award, also known as the Service Before Self Award. The next year, Anne was presented with an even more prestigious commendation, the Rotarian of the Year Award, which is given by 45 local clubs to a person who demonstrates exceptional love for community and devotion to international and community service. These awards could have gone to no better person, as Anne was a woman who was happiest serving others.
Anne was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, community member and friend. She was the matriarch of her family, beaming with pride when she spoke of the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. Anne was a woman who exemplified the strength in familial love. Anne was known for admiring the wildlife in the forest outside of her home, for too-tight hugs, for making a mean seafood casserole and for crafting striking quilt work, which she donated to the Sisters of the Poor and excitedly gifted to her grateful family. The quilts that Anne lovingly stitched hang in the homes of each member of her family, reminding all of us how blessed we were to have such a generous woman in our lives.
Anne was a truly exceptional woman who will be remembered for her devotion to service, community and family.
Anne is survived by her loving husband, John "Jake" Keefer; and her cherished children, Lisa Batka, wife of Charles Batka, Barto; and Dr. James Hurley, husband of Billee Hurley, Center Valley. Anne will be dearly missed by her grandchildren, Bridget and Liam Hurley and Charles and Mary Batka, as well as her sisters, Theresa Kupinewicz and her husband, Robert, and Mary Bauer and her husband Robert.
A celebration of Anne's life will begin Friday, with visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. at McLaughlin's, 142 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre, and continue there Saturday with a gathering at 8:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. in the Church of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.
Memories and condolences may be shared with Anne's family at www.celebrateherlife.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Jake,
Jean and I are very sorry to hear about Ann. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob Yokavonus, Bridgewater, NJ
August 4, 2017
Jake
I am so sorry. I have such wonderful memories of working for you and Ann, she was a lovely person and always very kind to me. You are in my prayers. Take care, God Bless.
Sally Tredinnick
July 31, 2017
We're so sorry for your loss, Jake; she was a delightful person.
Bob and Pat Frodsham.
July 27, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Anne. She was such a giving and caring soul who opened her home to me and my husband when we were temporarily relocated to Wilkes-Barre for work. We knew next to nobody in the neighborhood but she and Jake became the type of friends that last forever. From the very beginning it was like we knew them and had loved them all our lives. Anne was the type of person that would give her shirt off her back if she felt you needed it more. She would care for you if you were a little down or under the weather. She was always there if you needed a friend or a shoulder to cry on. She had such a wonderful sense of humor and knew how to use sarcasm to make you laugh so hard you cried. She was one in a million our Anne. She will be dearly remembered and sorely missed.
Lorry Zasada
July 27, 2017
Jake,
Very sorry for your loss. Prayers are offered for Anne, you and family.
Vince
Vince Reh
July 27, 2017
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Jul
28
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
McLaughlin's (a.k.a. M.J. McLaughlin Company)142 South Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Jul
29
8:30 a.m.
McLaughlin's (a.k.a. M.J. McLaughlin Company)142 South Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Funeral services provided by:
McLaughlin's (a.k.a. M.J. McLaughlin Company)142 South Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
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