Marie C. Keefe, 90, of W. Perry St., Tiffin, died at 1:49 a.m. Saturday, May 12, 2012, at Volunteers of America Autumnwood Care Center.
She was born Nov. 2, 1921, in Tiffin, to Otto and Rose (Smith) Elchert. She married Joseph J. Keefe Oct. 19, 1946, in St. Joseph Catholic Church. He died May 21, 2004.
Survivors include two daughters, Patricia (Hank) Elchert and Theresa (Richard) Best, both of Tiffin; five sons, John (Carol) Keefe and LaVerne (Janet) Keefe, both of Tiffin, David (Alice) Keefe, New Riegel, Marvin (Theresa) Keefe and Duane (Deb) Keefe, both of Tiffin; a daughter-in-law, Diana (Toby) Schreiner, Toledo; 25 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren on the way.
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Mrs. Keefe
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and a son, Francis Keefe; five sisters, Myrtle Kenan, Sister Marie Celine, Bernadine Huss, Pauline Hohman and Evelyn Gerten; four brothers, Reuben, Ivan, Eugene and Richard Elchert; and an infant great-grandchild.
Marie was a 1939 graduate of Calvert High School and worked as a sales clerk at SS Kresge and as a straightener at US Glass House prior to marriage. She then devoted her life as a homemaker, wife and mother. She was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Mary Catholic Church for more than 60 years, its Rosary Altar Society, and the Wednesday Night Pinochle Card Club. She enjoyed bowling, embroidery, family picnics, listening to polka music and spending time with her family, whom she always put first.
Visitation is 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. today, Monday, May 14, at Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe St., Tiffin, (419) 447-3113, with a wake service at 8:30 p.m., lead by Rev. Ed Schleter.
Prayers will be said at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 15, at the funeral home, followed by her funeral Mass at 10 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Michael Roemmele officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. The Rosary will be recited in church 20 minutes prior to Mass.
Memorials may be made to St. Mary Church, Calvert Catholic Schools, Mercy Tiffin Hospital or Heartland Hospice.
For directions to the funeral home, to view the tribute video or to leave an online condolence for the family, go to www.traunerofuneralhome.com.
