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Mary KELLER Obituary
She was born on Aug. 30, 1920, in Sharpsville, Pa. She graduated from Sharpsville High School. She worked at Westington House Corp. during WWII. She lived and raised her family in Pennsylvania for more than 50 years. She married John Keller in 1978 and moved to Gloucester, Va. She lived in Gloucester County for 36 years and loved the view of the York River front her front porch. She was active in Bellamy United Methodist Church until her move to Newport News in 2004 and then was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Hilton Village. Her many interest included antiques, crossword puzzles, gardening, and reading, but her greatest joy was her family. She had a dry wit and loved life. She was known by her nickname 'Toots' She was a generous and loving wife, mother, sister, and friend. She was deeply loved and will be sincerely missed by her family and friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, John Keller; her daughter, Gretchen; her parents; her brother, Gerald Hurl, and special sister-in-law, Nancy Hurl, and her brothers, John and James Hurl. She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Brian Coleman.
Mary leaves the cherish her memory her daughter, Melissa Kintigh and son-in-law, Richard Kintigh of Newport News; her daughter, Pamela Coleman of England; her grandchildren, Kevin Apple of Florida, Holly Apple of Ohio, Sean Coleman of England, and Kelly Coleman of England; and stepdaughter, Merry Kefalinos and her husband, Gerry of North Carolina; a very special friend, Maria Westcott. Mary will also be remember by a host nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. One special remembrance will be her sweet and devoted companion, Keller the cat.
The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to Dr. Keith Taylor and staff, and to Dr. Patterson for their kind and compassionate care of Mary. The family also wishes to express our heartfelt appreciation to our parish nurse Bette Jones for her devoted and loving care of Mary.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, at First United Methodist Church in Newport News. Interment will follow at Bellamy Memorial Cemetery in Gloucester at 3 p.m. The Rev. John T. LeGualt a devoted and loving friend will officiate.
Arrangements are by Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester, Va.
Memorial donations to First United Methodist Church, Newport News in her name. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary KELLER
Love, Pamela
January 19, 2011
Dear Liss: A candle for you dear sister, one for Mother and Dad, one for Aunt Nancy, Uncle Jerry and Gammy and Pop. Until we are there, let the Party of Friends and Family begin!
Linda Beveridge
January 10, 2011
Dear Pam and Melissa,
I know you are missing your Mom and it is so hard to not think of her being a phone call away for you Pam or sitting in her chair and holding her cat for you Melissa. She was such a wonderful person and I shall always have the wonderful memory of her having us over for dinner the day before Scott was born. She will be missed and thought of fondly.
Love always to you both,
Lin
Jim Hurl
January 5, 2011
Dear Pam & Melissa,
So sorry to hear of Aunt Toot's passing. I know that this is a difficult time for you, and that she will be missed by all who knew her. I want you both to know that I call my oldest daughter Kellie "Toots", after your Mom. Seems hard to believe that that a whole generation has now passed on.
Remember who is thinking of you...Lots of Love & Sympathy during your time of grieving.
Jim Hurl
4629 Tivoli St.
San Diego, Ca. 92107
619-222-5076
[email protected]
Your Sister Pamela
January 4, 2011
Dearest Melissa: Life will never be the same with the loss of Mother for either of us, but luckily we BOTH know she is at peace, we BOTH shared lots of wonderful memories, and this will be the cement that Holds Us TOGETHER for eternity. Remember always I LOVE YOU and you and Dick did a Great job at making her happy and loved. I'm so lucky I spoke to her that day and told her I loved her! She and God were ready. Love, Pam
Daughter Pamela
January 2, 2011
Missing our daily talks Mother. You are so missed by me. Tho the miles have devided us, you were always a call away.
Now, until we see each other again, you are always in my heart. Love you forever, Pam
Carole and Herbert Simonson married 54 Years
Carole & Herbert Simonson
December 30, 2010
Mary Hazel (Toots) was always Toots to me. My father's only sister and my only blood related aunt. She shared a birthday with our son David in 1965. I remember as a young woman, always beautiful, beautiful as a movie star. She always loved to dress well, even up to her last days, she always loved dressing well. She was always lighthearted and loved to laugh. Her mind stayed sharp till the end and her personality always stayed pleasant to the end. She actually was my first babysitter, she was fourteen years older than I was at the time. I have so many wonderful warm memories of her and I will miss her terribly. I look forward to seeing her in Heaven. I am certain she will be there. Melissa was her totally, faithful and loving daughter and she will miss her most of all. With great love, her loving niece, Carole Hurl Simonson.
Allison O'Brien
December 29, 2010
Melissa and Dick,
I have no idea what you must be going through in losing your mother. With this loss must come so many layers of heartache. I had the blessed opportunity of knowing your mother and I know heaven just received one of its most special angels. May you find God's presence with you as you journey through the time of grief.
Much love,
Allison and Marty
Marcus King
December 29, 2010
Keith and I both send our love, thoughts and prayers to Melissa and Pam on the loss of Miss Mary. Love to all of the family as well. Please know we are thinking of you today and in the days ahead. Blessings!
December 29, 2010
Melissa and Pam my love and thoughts are with you. I understand the trememdous loss you feel but please remember all of the good times and it helps get through the day.
Love you,
Krista
Sarah Kuharik
December 29, 2010
Aunt Toots was quite a woman and she will truly be missed, but I will always remember the summers we used to go down to visit. Spending time with her are among my favorite childhood memories.
My heart is with you in this difficult time.
Mary Begor
December 29, 2010
Melissa and Dick, I know your hearts are heavy with sadness in the loss of such a wonderful lady. Melissa, your mother was such a joy when she would accompany us to the movies and dinner. I will remember her fondly. Take peace in your faith that you will be reunited one day. My prayers are with you and the rest of Mary's family.
With sincere sympathy and love,
December 29, 2010
Always loved, never forgotten, and most of all you are always in our hearts. Love, Pam
Sister Pamela
December 29, 2010
To my dear sister Melissa and Dick: I am so in spirit with you today. We WILL all get thru mothers death. She's at peace, and with Our Lord, in perfect peace. Memories are always in our memories, and in our heart. Be strong, and know I LOVE YOU ALL.
December 29, 2010
December 29, 2010
December 29, 2010
Love you Mom Pam, Kelly, Sean and Kevin
December 29, 2010
Afterglow For Mary H. Keller (MOM)
I'd like the memory of me
To be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an afterglow
Of smiles when life is done.
I'd like to leave an echo
Of whispering down the ways.
Of happy times and laughing times
And bright and sunny days.....
I'd like the tears of those who grieve
To dry before the sun
Of happy memories that I leave
When life for me is done.
Miriam Ward
December 28, 2010
Pam and Melissa, You were blessed with ninety years of your mother's love and I know she will be truly missed by you both. Treasure the beautiful memories and keep her alive in your hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you. With my heartfelt sympathy, Miriam
Holly Apple-Jackson
December 28, 2010
Grandma:
As I sit here and look through my "Grandma's Brag Book" it's hard to believe how many years have passed since the birthday when you sent me a beautiful stole and handwarmer made of mink and I screamed when I opened the box and almost gave mom a heartattack because I though it was an animal. I was so young and so jaded. I also am looking at this picture where you and I are celebrating our favorite holiday-Christmas. I think this picture is my most prized possession besides the picture of my daughters. I thank you for all of the wonderful memories and wish there were many more to come. I wish you peace and eternal rest, and I'm so blessed to have had you in my life.
Aunt Liss and Dick:
Thank you for all that you have done to make sure my grandmother had the best care around the clock and wanted for nothing. You are both truly angels on Earth. I'm here if you need anything.
Mom, Kevin, Kelly and Sean:
This year has been very hard for us. God's plan- not ours. Know I love you all, and I'm here for you always.
Friends,Church Family,& Doctors:
Words can not express our thanks. God Bless You All.
Darlene Chavis
December 28, 2010
My heart is heavy for your loss, but know my love for you and your family is sincere. Your mother will be truly missed by all who knew her no matter how long. PJ sends his love and a hug.
As you continue to walk in Gods Blessing keep your head up, your heart open and receive God's love. Much Love
Holly Apple-Jackson
December 28, 2010
Love you grandma with all my heart.
-Holly
Love you grandma
Holly Apple-Jackson
December 28, 2010
Penelope Williams
December 27, 2010
My sincere condolences. Light and Blessings Penelope Williams
Jackie Young
December 27, 2010
Melissa, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was such a great lady. How fortunate I was to have met her in Gloucester where we shared many fun times in the shop as she bought outfits and gifts for others. She was witty and charming. I have wonderful memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Amy Dietzel
December 27, 2010
Pam, I am sorry that you are now facing another loss after losing your loving husband, be strong and know your mother is in a far better place free of pain.
Melissa and Dick I am sorry for your loss, she was a lovely person, and I know a light for you.
December 27, 2010
Melissa and Dick, I am sorry for your loss, but know that your mom enjoyed her last weeks, months and years with you. She was definitely loved and cherished by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sharon Hooks
Pamela Coleman
December 27, 2010
COMFORT FOR THOSE WHO MORN
So many people imagine that death cruelly separates us from our loved ones. Even pious people are led to believe this great and sad mistake. When our loved ones die, they do not leave us. They remain. . . They do not go to some dark and distant place. They simply begin their eternity. We do not see them because we are still in the darkness of the world. But their spiritual eyes filled with the light of heaven, are always watching us as they wait for the day when we shall share their perfect joy. We are all born for heaven and one by one we end this life of tears to begin our life of love in endless happiness.
I have often reflected upon this beautiful truth and found it the greatest and surest comfort in times of mourning. A firm faith in the real and continual presence of our loved ones has brought the conviction and consolation that death has not destroyed them, not ried them away. Rather it has given them life! A life with power to know fully and to love perfectly. With this new life and new power our loved ones are always present to us, knowing and loving us more than ever before.
The tears that dampen our eyes in times of mourning are tears of homesickness, tears of longing for our loved ones. But it is we who are away from home, not they. Death has been for them a doorway to an eternal home. And only because this heavenly home is invisible to our worldly eyes, we cannot see them so near us. Yet, they ARE with us, lovingly and tenderly waiting for the day when we, too, will enter the doorway of our eternal home. No,. . . death is not a separation. It is a preparation for eternal union with those we love, in the peace and joy of heaven.
Linda Lane
December 27, 2010
Dearest Melissa,
It is with heavy heart that I expres my Deepest Sympathy on the loss of Mary, your Mother. I enjoyed talking with her and hearing about her happy times at First United Methodist Church. She was a true Lady and will be missed. The loss of a mother is one of the hardest things you will ever experience but hang on to those precious memories as they will sustain you in the weeks and months ahead. I will see you when we return to VA. Much Love
Sending you love Mother
Pamela Coleman
December 27, 2010
Always in my heart, sending you a BIG HUG and Love forever. Until we see each other, Liss and I will always love you Mum.
Pamela Coleman
December 27, 2010
To My Dear Mothr, I love you, I will miss you forever, and God has granted you Peace with HIM. Melissa and I will always love you and know we will always look after each other. Please give Brian a big hug and kiss from us. We so miss him, my wonderful husband of 30 years. Loosing you both in 3 months is grief that is hard, but knowing you are together with Gammy, Pop, Aunt Nancy, Uncle Jerry, and my other family members and friends I'm at peace.
I LOVE YOU ALWAYS and FOREVER
Pamela, your daughter in England
Apple Family
December 27, 2010
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010
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