Dorothy Keller Obituary
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Early in her career, she held a variety of internships and positions at the Wadsworth Atheneum, becoming an Elector of the museum in 1984. She began her teaching career at St. Joseph College (now University of St. Joseph) in West Hartford, CT in 1961 where she discovered her second passion in life – teaching. Her goal was to not only teach about art, but to infuse a love of culture and critical thinking, encouraging her students to engage in a quest to understand art and cultures. While there she obtained an MA in Religious Studies in 1985, was named a distinguished alumni in 1999 and received an honorary doctorate in 2017.
Dorothy was a world traveler, visiting countries to learn the culture and history of their art forms. Her travels are where she discovered her third passion in life – art history and archeology. Her research eventually focused on the Middle East and Africa, traveling to Egypt over 50 times, to Iran, Libya, Kenya and Tanzania. It was during one of her many grant-funded research excursions in 1995 in Thebes, Egypt that she found herself plummeted six-feel below ground, discovering an unknown burial site which was later determined to be a site for workers of the Pharoah's tomb.
Dorothy's commitment extended to many community organizations dedicated to arts, art preservation, history and archaeology. She loved giving guided tours of Hartford's history and neighborhoods while a board member of the Hartford Preservation Alliance. She provided guided tours of collections at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, the New Britain Museum of Art, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City among others where other patrons and museum docents would be drawn to her magnetism and follow her to learn from her vast knowledge and expertise. Being in her presence at one of these tours was like watching the "Pied Piper" of art in action.
Dorothy retired from the University of St. Joseph in 2021 having dedicated herself for over 50 years to the University, its mission and her students. At the time of her retirement, she was chair of Culture, Arts and Language Department and upon retirement was named Professor Emerita. Her goal was to infuse a love of art, culture, research, critical thinking and history to her students.
Dorothy was predeceased by her loving husband, Deane G. Keller, her beloved mother Catherine D. Bosch, her father Joseph Bosch, her brothers Jerome Gapski, Raymond Goff and Joseph Goff and her sister Catherine Goff. She leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews and their families: April Goff Brown (Lew), Christopher Goff (Deborah), Joanne Majewski, June McKernan (Kenny), Linda Suydam (Barry), Karen Baxley, Peggy Gilbert (Mickey), Myran Gapski (Ann-Marie), Mary Jane Sample (Scott), Michael Goff, Jane Turgeon (Roger) and James Woolley. She was predeceased by her nephew and godson, Joseph Goff and niece Patricia Woolley.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Monday, November 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Fisher Roman Catholic Church in Marlborough followed by a private internment. In lieu of flowers, you are asked to make a donation in Dorothy's name to the University of St. Joseph or the Wadsworth Atheneum.
Dorothy succinctly summed up her life of passion for arts, teaching and research in an interview where she said "It's been a marvelous journey. I can't imagine anything that could replicate it." The world was richer for her brilliance, dedication, and love of every art form and culture she encountered. To leave online condolences please visit www.spencerfuneralhomeinc.com.
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Linda Estabrook
November 3, 2025
As a student at St. Joe´s, I took several art classes with her. I still clearly remember her sharing earthen pigments during one of our classes. This simple act brought ancient art to life. I always made sure to attend her lectures when I returned to campus for reunion events. An absolutely amazing woman!
Aidan Whittel BA '83, MA '95
November 3, 2025
I remember Dorothy Keller fondly. I took some of her classes as a part of my American Studies degree. SJC was so lucky to have Dorothy as a professor and friend for all those years. She was and continues to be such an inspiration to all. My condolences to the family. Rest in peace Dorothy and thank you for all you gave to the SJC community.
Margaret Steeves `76
November 3, 2025
A truly gifted and inspirational teacher. I cannot visit a museum without hearing her voice. She was one in a million.
Linda Tagliamonte
November 3, 2025
Dr Keller was an inspirational teacher. Her art history classes prepared me for life. Every time I traveled and visited art museums, I thought about her slides. We will miss her
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Beth Strong
November 2, 2025
Dorothy was my favorite. Such a treasure to this world and all who were touched by her knowledge and passion. I am so thankful to call her a friend, and when my last two cards/letters went unanswered, I was worried. I didn't realize it until I got word two days later, but she passed the day I was in Machu Picchu, and I found myself talking about her, and how much I couldn't wait to share my experience with her. She was amazing, and I'm so glad I got to take her history of Hartford architecture class at USJ. We first became friends when I designed her article for Outlook Magazine, and still have the plant she gave me to thank me. Of all the things she's done, and all the people she's educated, there will be no one like her. I will deeply miss my friend, but know she is reunited with her beloved Dean in Heaven. Love you, Dorothy. Thank you for all you have done and shared over the years. God Bless.
Diane Chaniewski
November 1, 2025
Prof. Keller was my most favourite professor at SJC. I took History of Women Artists and American Antiques and I learned SO much. Her story about finding the burial site in Egypt is beyond memorable. Her wit and passion were unmatched. Such a great loss to us all.
-Diane Chaniewski, SJC '10
Kathleen Treacy Zimmerman
November 1, 2025
Dr. Keller was my art history teacher when I was a student at St. Joseph College 70-73. She inspired me to pursue looking at art and enjoying what you see and interpreting art in so many different ways. I still follow what she taught me and thankful I had that great experience under her guidance.
Joanna
October 31, 2025
Had I taken her art history class at the start of my college life, my path would have gone to the arts. She taught us to really look at what we saw, to think about context and place in society and history, and relevance for the future. She made the world a better place.
Virginia Shultz-Charette
October 31, 2025
How well, I remember Dorothy's story about falling into an Egyptian tomb which she told with relish in the Egyptian art history class and her love for Vincent Van Gogh. I had not intended to double major when I attended USJ, but that is exactly what happened! She would be pleased to know that my love of art history was passed onto my autistic son who listens to his Orson Wells DVD about Tut, The Boy King, almost every day. What a treasure you were, Dorothy! Thank you.
Cindy Garrey `80
October 31, 2025
Mrs. Keller was so special. I feel honored to have been one of her students. My condolences.
Susan M Miller
October 30, 2025
Mrs.Keller was my absolute favorite professor at St. Joseph´s college An inspiration to me, so very engaging and informative, a wealth of knowledge. So sorry to her family for their loss. Fondly, Susan Miller 1976
Sallie Miller
October 30, 2025
Professor Keller was an unbelievable teacher, I was an Art Major and her classes were so inspiring.
My favorite classes were always her.
So sorry for your loss.
Sincerely, Sallie Miller class of 76.
Judy Johnson 89'
October 30, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. I had the privilege of being in one of Dr. Keller's art history class back in 1987. She was an amzing professor and made learning about art and achitecture easy and awe inspiring.
Robin
October 30, 2025
She inspired a love for art that I didn´t know a science major could have. My condolences to her family and close friends.
Sherry N `73
October 30, 2025
As a student in my teens, Dorothy Bosch-Keller birthed in me a love of art that has only flourished throughout the years. Because of her inspired teaching, I made it my goal to take in as much art as possible in as many ways and locations as I could. I´m sure this can be said of many of her students. I thank her for her passion that ignited many generations of students. She was a true treasure whose presence will be greatly missed.
Linda Tribuzio, Ed.D
October 30, 2025
Professor Keller was one of the best teachers I´ve ever had in undergraduate, masters, or doctoral work. Her class was one of my life experiences that prompted a life long love of art history.
Within the last 10 years it was a delight to accompany her to The Metropolitan Museum of Art with other alumnae.
May she Rest in Peace.
Linda Tribuzio, Ed.D
Vanessa Flynn
October 29, 2025
I was a student in Professor Keller´s art class for the first time as a prerequisite in 2008, because of her I kept signing up for her art classes and ended up with a minor in Art by 2012. She was one of the most captivating, intelligent and engaging teachers I´ve ever had. Her enthusiasm for Art, History, Architecture, Antiques, and so on were infectious and made a lasting impact on me to this day. I will always remember and thank her for her dedication to her profession and her students.
Delina Lyons (Andrews)
October 29, 2025
Dr. Keller was a force of nature! She pushed me to be a more intentional and analytical student. If she gave you praise, you know you earned it. And if she provided constructive criticism.... well you knew you earned that too! She was true to herself and her craft, and one of the most influential teachers I have had in my life. I feel grateful to have known her.
After hearing of her many travels with her late husband Dean, I am hopeful she continues her adventures with him on the other side. Rest in Peace, Dr. Keller
Lois Nesci
October 29, 2025
Dr. Dorothy Keller was brilliant. I took her history of women artists class as USJ; she was amazing....encouraging, motivating and helping students to take risks with confidence. A significant loss
Marcy Carlone
October 29, 2025
I met Dr. Keller first as a student in the early 2000s, then worked with her for severe arsenal while I was an adjunct at SJC/USJ. She was always smiling, and the knowledge she shared, whether while teaching with such passion or conversing in the hallway, she was a force! I wish her family my sincere condolences and may Dr. Keller rest in peace .
Christina Flood
October 29, 2025
My deepest condolences to Dorothy's family. Dorothy was an amazing woman and my favorite teacher at Saint Joseph College; she inspired me to major in art history. May fond memories and favorite stories bring you comfort in this difficult time. Love, Christina
Wayne Steely
October 29, 2025
Dorothy and I worked closely together for over 35 years at St. Joseph. She was a tiny powerhouse--tireless, strong-willed, always looking to learn and always ready for another amazing adventure. She taught her students not only about Art History but about hard work, self-discipline, deep thinking, and getting the best out of themselves. Her annual student presentations were a revelation--students who at first could barely put together a coherent analysis and were too timid to speak in public ended up giving professional-level talks. She was a dedicated faculty member, and worked non-stop for her college and her church. I can also add a personal note of gratitude. When my daughter was at the point of dropping out of college, Dorothy stayed in touch with her, convinced her to study Art History with her, and turned her into a star student. One of the most important moments in my life was watching my daughter give her senior presentation, with my own parents in attendance and misty-eyed at the transformation that had taken place. There are not enough thank-yous in the world to show my gratitude to Dorothy.
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