Nelda Keene

Nelda Mae Keene was born December 10, 1929 in Peoria, IL. Nelda passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025 at the age of 95. Her parents, Howard and Florence, were loving and devoted to Nelda and her younger brother Walter, who arrived in 1933. Nelda was a wonderful big sister to Walter throughout their lives until his passing in February, 2016.

Nelda attended Von Steuben Elementary in Peoria, followed by Peoria Central High School, and ultimately earned a Masters Degree in education from Bradley University, becoming the second generation of family members to graduate from the university after her father.

Nelda taught school in Peoria District 150 for 37 years and was an adjunct faculty member at Bradley for 16 years, supervising student teachers. Nelda also had a flourishing 32-year career in real estate brokerage, last working at Traders Realty.

Nelda was very active in her sororities at Bradley, namely: Sigma Kappa, the Alpha Delta Kappa teachers sorority, and the Pi Lambda Theta chapter. She maintained a wide circle of friends in the community and enjoyed hosting large gatherings at her home. She was particularly devoted to her nieces and nephew, Jill Mullen, Erin Keene and Todd Keene, and her great nephew, Andrew Mullen.

A lifelong Peorian and an avid fan of Bradley basketball, Nelda was for many years a season ticket holder to Bradley home games. She continued to follow the program after she could no longer attend games in person.

Nelda was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Peoria for 60 years, where she was a deacon and Sunday School teacher. She had many hobbies, including playing tennis, gardening, baking, knitting and crocheting, reading, traveling to England, Scotland and throughout the US, and spending time with family and friends. She is survived by Jill and her son Andrew, Erin, Todd and his wife Vicky, Walter's widow, Barbara, and extended family. She will indeed be missed by all. A private service to honor her life will be held at a later time.