On Friday, July 2, 2021, Rosemary Catherine Hodge Keller, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away at the age of 77.
Rosie was born on March 7, 1944, to Kenneth and Rose (Cersosimo) Hodge in Hartford, Connecticut. She grew up surrounded by the love of a large extended family including many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She attended Silver Lane Elementary school and East Hartford High School Graduating Class of 1962. She married the love of her life, Burlyn (Bud) L. Keller, on May 30, 1964, and became a Navy wife. They went on to have two children, Alicia (Brian G.) Volkmuth and Brian L. Keller. As a family, they traveled for Bud’s work to different duty stations all over the country. The family fostered nine children while stationed in Connecticut. After Bud’s military retirement, Rosie and he moved to a family property in Newfane, Vermont, where Rosie found a second career that she both excelled at and loved dearly. She was the school secretary for Newfane Elementary School, retiring in 2009. She loved to garden and bake. She was a whiz at throwing great parties.
Rosie has been amazing supporter of her family. Before Rosie was diagnosed with dementia, a horrible disease that took her faculties years ago, she and Alicia spoke almost every day, they were best friends. She flew to Guam when her first grandchild was born and to Minnesota when each of the four other grandchildren were born. When her daughter’s family suffered a house fire in 2011, Bud and Rosie drove their camper to help and support them. She would tell everyone that Brian G. was her favorite son-in-law even though he had no competition. During their first one-on-one conversation the night before Alicia and Brian G. got married, she gave him the helpful admonishment, “there is a no return policy on this one” she said.
Rosie was preceded in death by her parents Ken and Rose and brother-in-law Tom Forstrom. She is survived by her husband, Burlyn, her sisters-in-law Leslie (Wesley) Dick, and Kathie Forstrom, her children Alicia (Brian G.) Volkmuth, and Brian L. Keller, her grandchildren Michael, Ethan, Adam, Alex, Rachael, Keyarra and Imari, her great grandchildren Breanne, Carson, Ava, Trulee, Geovonni, and Charlie, and several cousins, nieces Hilary, Jodi, Heidi, Hadyn, Hadley and a nephew Shane.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Rosie’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Rosemary H. Keller
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MS. Rosemary, I never got the pleasure to meet you but I wanted you to know you raised a great daughter. While she was going through a hard time with losing you and concerned for her father who recently fell, she provided meals to my family without hesitation and provided and still provides all the support I need. Rest In Peace, may they forever hold you in their hearts.
To the Family: My deepest sympathy as the days continue to pass, I hope you find comfort and support in the people who surround you and the wonderful memories you carry in your mind and in your heart.
Friends through thick and thin. Over 57 years of memories. Rosie faced life with a welcoming smile and never flinched when the going got rough. Newlywed in South Carolina gathering all the other new wives to hunker down and face a hurricane, of course no husbands…they were doing their duty on patrol under the sea somewhere. She spent the rest of her life with that same attitude, could not help but to admire her. She may be gone but we’re left with some great memories, thanks Kiddo, we miss you.
We’re so sorry for your loss and we’re sending so many prayers your way!
Rosie was a special person. She was a wonderful cook, but even more she was a wonderful mother. I always looked forward to the time spent at the Keller’s house. My love and prayers go out to her family, especially Bud and Alicia. They were all like family to me.
Oh, Bud, Dave and I both treasured our visits to Rosie’s & your beautiful Newfane home and seeing the 2 of you at our HHS reunions over the years. Thank God she is suffering no more; she will be missed and remembered fondly by many.
So many fond memories growing up. Always had u in my mind amd heart. GOD SPEED Mrs Keller! Always loved u. To the family….. Sending much love and prayers. U all hold a special place in my heart.