Obituary of Jean L. Keefe

TROY – Jean L. Keefe, 89, formerly of Glenmont, NY, died peacefully Wednesday, December 27, 2017 with family at her side, at Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center after a brief illness. Born in Albany June 25, 1928, Jean was the daughter of the late John and Francesca (Romanelli) Ippolito, and a graduate of Cathedral Academy. After high school, Jean was employed with the New York Telephone Co until birth of first child. Despite having lost her mother at age 6, and her father at age 19, Jean nevertheless persevered in meeting life's challenges in the absence of parental guidance. Her Catholic faith was the light she relied on to guide her through troubling times, and it never failed her. She and husband John were above all unassuming, hard working and devoted parents, and without Jean's devotion as a full time homemaker, our family would have never experienced the dream of middle class life – which was the hope of our immigrant ancestors. She unconditionally loved her children and grandchildren, and would do anything to help them succeed in life. In true Ippolito form, her passion was cooking and being busy in the kitchen. In our family, no one ever pushed a plate away because the food wasn't delicious. She is survived by her sons John Keefe III (Coralee) of Binghamton; Dr. Robert Keefe (Laurie) of Delmar, and Thomas Keefe (Gloriann) of Whitesboro, NY, and 8 grandchildren; also survived by nieces Rosemary Ippolito (Guilderland), Margaret Ippolito (Watervliet), and Angela (Ippolito) Landry (Colonie), and nephew John Ippolito (Selkirk). Jean was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, John J. Keefe, Jr. (married Oct 19, 1957); by her 3 brothers, Peter (Helen) Ippolito, Anthony (Carolyn) Ippolito and Martin (Theresa) Ippolito; by niece Carolann Bloomfield and nephew Martin Ippolito Jr.; and by sister-in-law Doris (Keefe-Freeman) Veit. Memorial and interment services will be private at the family's request. Jean will be laid to rest beside her husband at Calvary Cemetery in Glenmont. Messages from friends and acquaintances can be left on the online guestbook at http://applebeefuneralhome.com/. The family would like to express our sincerest gratitude and appreciation to the Courtyard staff at Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center for the loving care they provided Jean. Their dedication and professionalism was inspiring, and their heart-felt condolences extended to our family upon the passing of "Jean Bean" was very much appreciated. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean's memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (https://alzfdn.org/support-us/donate/).