GANSEVOORT – Elaine Alice Keays, 89, a longtime Gansevoort resident, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at Fort Hudson Health Care Facility in Fort Edward.
Our much beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, Elaine Alicia Keays (Garnsey) of Gansevoort, passed away peacefully Tuesday February 10th at the age of 89.
Elaine was born on February 25th 1925, to the late Benjamin Garnsey and Delta Garnsey (Champoux). Her mother passed away nearly a year after her birth so she was taken in by family and raised on a small dairy farm in Northumberland . She flourished on “The Farm” and had many fond memories that her stories could attest to.
In her early years, Elaine loved to dance. She would attend many “Barn” dances held throughout Northumberland and the Washington County area. At one of those fateful dances she met the love of her life, John “Skipper” Keays. World War Two broke out not too long after they met. Elaine spent these years caring for her “Ma and Pa” on the farm and working at the Watervliet Arsenal, but always waiting to be reunited with her beloved Skipper. John and Elaine were married April 28th, 1946.
She had many loves throughout her life but none as important as her family. She thrived raising and caring for her four children, eight grandchildren, and fourteen great grandchildren. She wouldn’t stop with just immediate family though. Friends and friends of her family were always welcomed with an open heart and usually left with a full belly. In her later years she enjoyed going for rides with Skipper, garage sale-ing, and putting around the yard.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband John J. Keays and sister Donna Leonard.
She is survived by her sister Doris Ross, her beloved children, David Keays and his wife, Joyce of Gansevoort, John “Jack” Keays of Deerefield Beach Fl., Donna Keays of South Glens Falls, and Paul Keays and his wife, Deborah of Hudson Falls; her loving grandchildren Christian Keays and his wife, Becci, Meaghan Smith and her husband, Chris, Terry Keays and his partner, Andrea Leombruno, Kimberlee Keays-Loffler and her fiancé, Rob Phelps, Wesley Keays and his wife, Erica, Joelle Russo, Jeffery Keays, and Pauly Keays. She is also survived by her fourteen great grandchildren and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Calling hours will be held from 10-11:30am at Carleton Funeral home, Inc., 68 Main Street, Hudson Falls.
A prayer will be said for Elaine at 11:30 on Tuesday, following the calling hours, with the Reverend Thomas Babiuch, officiating.
This will be followed by a burial at 2 p.m. at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. A small celebration of her life will follow.
Her family would like to thank the staff at Fort Hudson Nursing home for their compassionate care over the last few months. We would also like to give heartfelt thanks to her immediate family that made it possible for her to remain home for as long as possible.
My condolences to the family. I am very sorry for your loss.
My sincere condolences to your family. Your mother was one of the sweetest ladies ever to enter this world.