Obituary of Mary M. Keck

TOWSON, MD . . . Mary M. Keck, 87, formerly of Canastota, NY, passed away Thursday morning, September 21, 2023, at the Seaton Towson assisted living facility in Towson, MD, surrounded by family. She was born May 26, 1936, in Lyons Falls, the daughter of the late Elizabeth Rogers and Francis Maloy. Mary spent her early years in Lyons Falls and was a 1954 graduate of Lyons Falls High School. She later graduated from Alfred (NY) State College in 1956, and spent most of her life in Canastota, NY. She married Robert J. Keck on May 4, 1957, in St. John's Church, Lyons Falls. Mary worked at the Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, NY and then later at Oneida (NY) City Hospital. Mary was a devout Catholic, and was a member of St Agatha Church in Canastota, and known in the community for her 40 years of service to the Church, teaching religious studies, singing in the choir, and performing Adoration. She had too many friends to count. Mary was so well-known for her daily walks around the neighborhood that friends would know to check in on her if they did not see her passing by their windows. After Robert passed away in 2011, she stayed in Canastota until a serious stroke left her wheelchair-bound and she moved to assisted living in the Baltimore area in 2019. Despite those hardships, Mary never complained about her situation, always finding gratitude for the positives of her current circumstances. She was a truly devoted wife, daughter and mother, and was tireless in making sure those she loved were supported and successful. Surviving are: a son and daughter-in-law, Barry and Joanie Keck of Hilliard, OH; a daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Randy Parker of Brookline, MA; a son and daughter-in-law, Robert G. and Yolie Keck of Baltimore, MD; eight grandchildren, Sarah (Roy) Pompa, Christopher (Grace) Keck, Patrick Keck, Allee Parker, Myles Parker, Camden Parker, Tanner Keck, and Peyton Williams; and two great-grandchildren, Grayson and Shylee Pompa. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at St. Agatha Church, 329 N. Peterboro Street, Canastota. The Rev. James Buttner, will officiate. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 28, 2023 in Calvary Cemetery, Port Leyden, NY. In her memory, contributions may be made to St. Agatha Church, c/o SOHCC Central Office, 121 St. Joseph’s Place, Oneida, NY 13421, with envelopes available at the funeral home.