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Susanna Keller Obituary
Susanna was born on July 22, 1952, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Lawrence and Doris Pellerito of Detroit.
She moved to Vermont in 1975 and had lived in Barre and Montpelier with her family since 1989. Susanna received her B.A. from Norwich University in 1992, and her M.S.W. from the University of Vermont in 1997. She was employed for many years as a medical social worker at Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice. Susanna derived great satisfaction, both personally and professionally, from her work as a social worker in the Central Vermont community.
Susanna is survived by her husband, Phil Keller, an attorney employed by the state of Vermont, and by three children: William Longo, a graduate student at Brown University; Elizabeth Keller, an undergraduate at Clark University in Worcester, Mass.; and Christopher Keller, who will be entering Harvard University in the fall. All three children attended St. Michael's Elementary School, in Montpelier, and Montpelier High School. Susanna took great pride in their character and educational accomplishments.
In addition to her husband and children, Susanna is survived by her father Lawrence Pellerito of Royal Oak, Michigan, and by her sisters Christine Pellerito, of Ferndale, Michigan; Concetta Pellerito of Richmond, Michigan; and Jeanne Pellerito of Troy, Michigan.
Susanna was predeceased by her mother, Doris, and by a sister, Cynthia Whitefoot.
Susanna was an active member of the Barre-Montpelier community. A lifelong gardener, Susanna had completed her coursework for the UVM Extension School's Master Gardener's Program and was working on her certificate there at the time of her death. She was also a member of the Aldrich Library Book Club and a longtime parishioner at Christ Church Episcopal in Montpelier.
Susanna loved Vermont and devoted many hours to exploring its swimming holes and hiking trails. In the summer, she could frequently be spotted swimming at Curtis Pond or hiking the trails at the North Branch Nature Center. In winter, she loved to ski and snowshoe. Wherever she went, Susanna always loved returning to Vermont.
Contributions in Susanna's name may be made to the Eleanor Daniels Fund at Fletcher Allen Hospital to help fight gynecological cancers.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2011, at Christ Episcopal Church, State Street, Montpelier.
Barber & Lanier Funeral and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
For those wishing to convey online condolences to the family, please visit www.barber-lanier.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Susanna Keller
Holly Leach
July 7, 2011
Phil and Family,
I am so saddened to learn of Susanna's passing. I remember when you two were dating, when Lizzy and Chris were born, etc. You are in my heart and prayers. I hope your memories provide you comfort.
July 6, 2011
More than a half a century has passed, and yet each spring, when I wander into the primrose wood and see the pale yellow blooms, and smell their sweetest of scents,...for a moment I am seven years old again and wandering in the fragrant wood. Gertrude Jekyll-British Garden designer
christine pellerito
July 6, 2011
My sis Tootie was witty, had a great curiosity, sharp intellect was quick with a retort, generous, loving, loyal,enjoyed books,foreign films music, long lunches at Neimans because it reminded her of downtown Hudsons-her garden, could talk politics with the best of them & most of all cherished her husband Phil,Chris, Lizzie, & Will--also Daddy, Cetta & Jean --we do not know what we will do without her --we miss you love & feel lucky for all the time we could be with you -it was much too short. all my love Chrisy
William Wolfe
July 5, 2011
Phil and family,
My deepest sympathies and Prayers go out to you during this very difficult time.
Debbie Whitefoot
July 2, 2011
My deepest sympathy goes out to you all at this very sad time. Heaven has another angel, gone too soon but never forgotten.
July 1, 2011
My sister Tootie had a wicked sense of humor. She would quote lines from the Godfather movies or the Sopranoes series on TV. We had fun watching "March Madness" basketball, especially when UVM made it through a couple of rounds (a few years back). Sis was a fabulous cook & had great style when it came to clothing & interior design. In the last 6 weeks, my sisters & I called Tootie everyday to tell her that we loved her. I hold these memories close to my heart. RIP, my dear sister. Concetta Pellerito (Richmond, MI)
mark cheever
July 1, 2011
Dear Phil, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. My condolences to you and yours.
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