Jean S. Keyes Havre de Grace, Maryland Obituary

Jean S. Keyes

Jean Mae Swenson Keyes was born October 16, 1925, in Springfield, Massachusetts, the only child of Harold E. and Irene D. Swenson. She grew up in East Longmeadow, Mass, and enjoyed skiing and skating with friends and gatherings with many cousins. She was a good student and went on to graduate from the University of Massachusetts majoring in Home Economics. There, she met her husband, Benjamin S. Keyes, Jr., of Harvard, Mass. The couple moved to Churchville in 1952 where Mr. Keyes was herdsman at Indian Spring Farm. They moved to Mt. Felix farm in 1953 where they established their own dairy business. Jean was a member of the Webster Congregational Christian Church where she helped prepare communion and served in the Society of Congregational Christian Women and was a member of Churchville Presbyterian Church and Women’s Circle. She was a member of the Harford County Homemaker’s Club and later the Soroptimist Club. She enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, swimming, sewing, knitting, and other handcrafts. After her husband’s death, she took care of feeding and caring for the calves of the dairy herd. In 1995 she was honored as Farmer of the Year by Harford County Farm Bureau. She enjoyed traveling with friends and family. Jean is survived by her three children, Cynthia K. Russo (Robert), Gary S. Keyes (Kathy), and David M. Keyes (Kelly). She is also survived by grandchildren: Christina Russo, Cara Mattlin (Kenneth), Steven Keyes (Vanessa), Jennifer Varvel (Josh), Daniel Keyes, Brian Keyes (fiancé Klara Miller), and Megan McMillan (Robert). Great-grandchildren include Aiden Mattlin, Lana Mattlin, Riley Keyes, Eli Varvel, Zoe-Belle Varvel, and Benjamin McMillan. She was also survived by her “adopted children” James Scibek, Stanley Scibek, Jody Oldham, Ruth Baltensperger, Lawrence Fifield, , and Ching-Tzon Tien. She was predeceased by her husband, grandson, Benjamin D. Keyes, and Great-granddaughter, Riley Mattlin. Mrs. Keyes passed away on November 24, 2021, at Citizens Care Center at the age of 96. A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2021, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, at Churchville Presbyterian Church, 2844 Churchville Road, Churchville, MD 21028. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 PM. Interment will be held at Harford Memorial Gardens. Contributions may be made in her memory to Citizens Care Center Activities Dept., 415 Market Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078. Online condolences may be made at www.zellmanfuneralhome.com.
October 16, 1925 - November 26, 202110/16/192511/26/2021
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2 trees planted in memory of Jean S. Keyes.
T
Tribute Store
December 2, 2021
Mrs. Keyes helped my Dad out so much. I really appreciated her kindness towards my family. I will never forget. Niven and Tien Family
Beautiful in Blue

Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Jean S. Keyes.

A tree was also planted in memory of Jean S. Keyes.
D
Deborah Antinori
December 2, 2021
Our heartfelt sympathy to Cynthy, Gary, David and families. Your mom will be greatly missed. Love, Debbi and Paul Antinori
Peaceful White Lilies Basket

Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Jean S. Keyes.

M
Mary L. Olivier
December 1, 2021
I remember the hayride and sleepover at her house with her daughter Cynthia and other friends. She was such a gracious hostess.
My condolences to her family Revelation 21: 3, 4.
C
Ching-Tzone Tien
November 28, 2021
I met Mrs. Keyes when her son, Gary, took me home for Xmas break in 1973. She was very kind to me and my family. She is always in my memory.

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of Jean S. Keyes. Plant a tree

J
John P. Correri Jr..
November 27, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Keyes Family during this difficult time. Rest in peace and God bless you.