Mary T. Keller

Mary T. Keller, nee Andis, Beloved Wife of the late Elmer H. Keller. Daughter of the late Helen Diaz-Roman and Tony Diaz. Daughter-in-Law of the late Frank Keller and Frieda (nee Cieszynski).Loving Mother of Frank (Jennifer) Keller. Proud Grandmother of Emily and Allison. Cherished Sister of Kathleen Shemanski, Anna Diaz, Gary Diaz, and Robert Diaz. Dear Aunt and Great Aunt of many Nieces and Nephews, Cousin to Many. Mary was a gentle woman whose kindness inspired the absolute best in others. She spent her formative years at Saint Hedwig’s Orphanage on Chicago’s Northwest Side. Upon leaving the orphanage, she entered Our Lady of Sorrows Convent in Oak Forest, Illinois, but she never took her final vows. She later worked as a CNA at Holy Cross Hospital where she met many dear friends (especially her best friend, and future maid of honor, Aldona Normantas). In 1975, she married the love of her life, Elmer Keller and they spent nearly 40 years together. In 1979, she gave birth to her son Frank. A beautiful mentor and nurturer, Mary cherished her role as mother and lived her own childhood vicariously through her son. A great cook and baker, Mary’s legendary cupcakes and pineapple upside-down cake live on in the memories of many taste buds. A woman of faith, Mary dedicated herself to St. Bernadette and the miracles that happened in Lourdes, France. In 2015, she experienced what she deemed “the trip of a lifetime,” as she overcame her fear of flying to travel to Lourdes. She loved St. Joseph Church and the many worshippers she met there. Later in her life, she forged countless friendships with her “pool people” at the Chalet pool, in Willow Springs, and the Life Time fitness pool, in Burr Ridge. Her relationship with her precious granddaughters gave her strength after the loss of Elmer. Anyone who knew her fondly remembers how her smile lit up the room when talking about Emily and Allison. She certainly was a proud grandmother. Her faithful, four-legged friends, Tippy and Tinker, received the best possible care from Mary. A life-long Cubs fan, Mary exalted in the Cubs 2016 World Series Championship. Mary was a humble woman who always put the welfare of others before herself. She had a special spot in her heart for animals and children battling cancer. Mary definitely made the world a better place during her 78 years with us. She will be missed greatly, but we ask that all of her friends and family continue to honor her legacy by doing good to others. Visitation Tuesday, 3PM to 9 PM at FORAN FUNERAL HOME 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th St. just west of Harlem). Visitation Wednesday 9 AM until time of Prayers at 10AM at the funeral home. Mass Wednesday 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Church. Reverend Robert Stuglik presiding; Musical Ensemble: Wayne Messmer, Theresa Baricovich, and Ania Dron Ray. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of Flowers donations to St Jude Children’s Memorial Hospital or St Joseph Church would be appreciated. For information 708-458-0208

Mary T. Keller

October 8, 1940 - July 13, 2019