Obituary for Frances Cecelia Keeler
Frances Cecelia James Kohl Keeler, a devoted Mom and registered nurse, died at Middletown Park Manor on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 surrounded by her family. She was 97.
The daughter of the late Mabel Neumann and Leo James, she was born on March 10, 1921 in North Branch, N.Y. Following the early demise of Leo, she was raised by George and Mabel Kohl as one of the four Kohl sisters in Callicoon, N.Y. She graduated from Callicoon High School. Fran pursued a three-year registered nurse program at Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital in Middletown and Fordham University in NYC through the Women's Army Corps (WAC) WW II Cadet Nurse Corps.
She worked as a Registered Nurse at Callicoon Hospital, Liberty Maimonides Hospital and both Horton Hospital and Middletown State Psychiatric Center in Middletown. On April 21, 1946, she married Orville “Eddie” Keeler, and they lived in Sullivan County before settling in Middletown for 60+ years.
Fran was a gentle woman who would do anything for anyone. She loved to cook, bake and entertain. Holidays were always festive and special with all of Fran's homemade creations. She will always be remembered for her concern and care for others, especially her late husband, Eddie and her beloved Mother. Fran was a regular attendee at the Middletown Stock Car Races with Eddie and their son Steve. When she could no longer live independently, she made Park Manor her second home. Bingo, musical programs and resident parties became a big part of her days. The staff there, especially Ashley, became another family to Fran. We are so grateful to all who made her stay there so comfortable and we admire the dedication and care we experienced at Park Manor.
Frances is survived by her only son, Stephen and his wife, Linda of Middletown; her loving sister, Eleanor Kohl Olsen; many cousins, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews on the Kohl and Keeler family trees.
She was predeceased by her husband Orville "Eddie" on November 8, 2008; sisters: Shirley Kohl Olsen in 2017, Helen James Kohl Maurer Hartz in 2018 and several other close relatives.
Friends may join the family in a celebration of her life on Tuesday Evening, September 25, 2018 at 6 pm at the Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, 130 Highland Ave. Middletown, N.Y. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family in the Orange County Veterans Cemetery in Goshen, N.Y. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Way, Memphis TN 38105
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc. www.applebee-mcphillips.com
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The daughter of the late Mabel Neumann and Leo James, she was born on March 10, 1921 in North Branch, N.Y. Following the early demise of Leo, she was raised by George and Mabel Kohl as one of the four Kohl sisters in Callicoon, N.Y. She graduated from Callicoon High School. Fran pursued a three-year registered nurse program at Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital in Middletown and Fordham University in NYC through the Women's Army Corps (WAC) WW II Cadet Nurse Corps.
She worked as a Registered Nurse at Callicoon Hospital, Liberty Maimonides Hospital and both Horton Hospital and Middletown State Psychiatric Center in Middletown. On April 21, 1946, she married Orville “Eddie” Keeler, and they lived in Sullivan County before settling in Middletown for 60+ years.
Fran was a gentle woman who would do anything for anyone. She loved to cook, bake and entertain. Holidays were always festive and special with all of Fran's homemade creations. She will always be remembered for her concern and care for others, especially her late husband, Eddie and her beloved Mother. Fran was a regular attendee at the Middletown Stock Car Races with Eddie and their son Steve. When she could no longer live independently, she made Park Manor her second home. Bingo, musical programs and resident parties became a big part of her days. The staff there, especially Ashley, became another family to Fran. We are so grateful to all who made her stay there so comfortable and we admire the dedication and care we experienced at Park Manor.
Frances is survived by her only son, Stephen and his wife, Linda of Middletown; her loving sister, Eleanor Kohl Olsen; many cousins, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews on the Kohl and Keeler family trees.
She was predeceased by her husband Orville "Eddie" on November 8, 2008; sisters: Shirley Kohl Olsen in 2017, Helen James Kohl Maurer Hartz in 2018 and several other close relatives.
Friends may join the family in a celebration of her life on Tuesday Evening, September 25, 2018 at 6 pm at the Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, 130 Highland Ave. Middletown, N.Y. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family in the Orange County Veterans Cemetery in Goshen, N.Y. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Way, Memphis TN 38105
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc. www.applebee-mcphillips.com
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Previous Events
Service
Tuesday
25
Sep
6:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home
130 Highland Ave.
Middletown, NY 10940
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