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BORN
1941
DIED
2020
Helen Keese Obituary
Helen Vander Horst Keese, b. 8/15/1941, d. 10/2/2020. Helen was one of the most consistently positive people on earth, always with a sunny disposition.
Her body gave up on her before she was ready to give up on it, yet she never lost her cheerful attitude—even when her sometimes cantankerous husband gave her cause to do otherwise.
She and Peter were married for 57 years and they continued the adventure of learning to live together happily right to the last.
A friend said of her, 'Helen was a talented water-color artist with an equally colorful personality. She had gift for hospitality and friendship. She was unfailing in her support - for everyone she loved - but most particularly, for Peter'. Others note how she could light up a room with her smile, and how she made others around her feel genuinely welcomed and appreciated. We had moved into a retirement community a year ago; she loved being here, and her radiant, welcoming self shone through and was her wonderful gift to this community in Brentwood, TN.
She was a true artist in every fiber of her being; she saw beauty everywhere and captured it in her truly fine watercolors. And she noticed and complimented others on their clothing and jewelry—she paid attention.
She and Peter produced 1) William (Bill), married to Theresa; they have six children: Avery Keese (married to Alex) and Ellis Keese (both children with first wife, Charlin) and Patrick, Emma, Molly and Caroline with Theresa; and 2) Katherine (Kate) who has two daughters, Alexandra (Alex) and Ella.
Her brother, John, and sister, Ella, died before Helen. Her youngest brother, Allston and his wife, Dana, and their three children, Stephen (Terri), Whitney (Andy) and Taylor survive her.
Her body will be cremated and her ashes held until such time as a proper celebratory memorial and burial service can be held at St. John's Episcopal Church, in Ashwood, near Columbia, TN.
Instead of flowers, she would appreciate your donations to any charitable work you particularly support.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen Keese
Sponsored by The Tennessean.
2 Entries
Susan Colmore
October 22, 2020
She was always lovely and cheerful. I haven’t seen her or Peter in years but early on we had many times together even at their wedding in Memphis!! I loved them both!
Distant hugs and kisses to Peter
From Susan Pettway Colmore
Cheryl Alsup
October 6, 2020
This is one of the most heartfelt obituaries I've ever read. I had the pleasure of being a caregiver for Helen years ago and this describes her perfectly. She always uplifted me with her kindness. She and Peter made a big difference in my life when they connected with a great neurosurgeon,James Killifer,for a much needed surgery. I can't thank them enough. My condolences to the family during this transition. Helen was a phenomenal lady and I'm blessed to have met her. I'll hold her and our memories close to my heart. Sleep peacefully sweet lady.
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