Priscilla A. Keller Obituary (1945 - 2021)

Priscilla (Penny) A. Keller Elmira Heights, NY Unassuming and self-deprecating to a fault, Penny led her life "like a candle in the wind", and in doing so, became an inspiration to family and friends alike. When she took her last breath in the early morning hours on October 17, 2021 with her family by her side, she left a hole in our hearts and lives. She was born in Buffalo, NY but Elmira was truly her home. Penny was born a mere 76 years ago to E.L. Pace and Ann Smith. Penny always found a way to "find the silver lining" in every situation. She believed you have to find your happiness and not assume it was just going to happen. She learned this at a young age from her mother and the nuns who helped raise her. Penny spent much of her adolescence in a Catholic boarding school where she learned many life skills. This is where she acquired her love of sewing, ironing, cleaning, and so much more. The day she left the school she went to Eldridge Park and saw a wonderfully handsome man with gorgeous blue eyes working there and fell in love instantly. Penny and Bob would marry not long after and have 3 children. Penny worked hard during those early years at Thatcher Glass, and later at A&P. Then she transitioned into customer service where she thrived. She never had a bad day, and everyone loved her kindness and compassion. Customers would actually wait until she was working to come into the store. Sadly, Penny and Bob had a rough patch and divorced (spoiler alert: this not the end of their love story). Penny had experience with going through more than the average rough patch and not giving up. Unfortunately however, after her divorce she entered into a relationship with a man who turned out to be extremely abusive. It may be fate that this is Domestic Violence Awareness month. We are so thrilled to say that, unlike most, she finally found the strength to leave and she lived to talk about it and rebuild her life. She also was strong enough to overcome an affliction which so few can: alcoholism. At the time of her death she had been sober for 30 years, and she accomplished this all on her own. She counted that as one of her greatest accomplishments in life, and we, her family, are immeasurably proud of her for it. Penny had incredible drive and devotion when it came to raising her children. She dropped out of high school, but when her oldest son seemed to be headed down the same path and was using the excuse that he was doing it because she did, she went to night school and received her High School Diploma (not GED) from EFA at the age of 36 to serve as an example and role model. Bob had always been the love of her life, so when she escaped the abusive relationship, they remarried in November 1996. She said the divorce was "the worst bump in the road that ever happened but thankfully it's been repaired". After many blissfully happy years together, Bob's health declined, and Penny lovingly cared for him until his death in July 2021. Penny loved her family and friends, and even strangers more than anything. She would do anything she could for anyone she met. Her absolute favorite pastime was baking. All you had to do was mention your favorite bakery item to her and you could bet the next time you stopped by she would have baked several of them for you. She gifted her baked goods, made with love, to everyone, and they were never turned down. She also loved her gardening, and hers was always one of the best on the block. All of the neighbors were always excited to see how she would decorate it each season, especially for her favorite: Christmas. Penny's love was boundless, and extended beyond people; she also loved animals and especially dogs. She took in every rescue she could, and would have loved to have done even more. Even in her final days when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer she maintained her quiet strength. She never wanted anyone to know she was hurting so much and she always wanted everyone else to be happy. "No gloom and doom", she said. Even though she only survived 3 weeks after her diagnosis, she exhibited her quiet grace, and applied that strength to seek out old friends, mend fences, and "bury the hatchet". She was a true warrior. Penny is adored by her family and friends and will be sorely missed. Penny is survived by her son Scott Keller of Elmira, NY and daughter Laura (Tom) Mitchell of Ft. Myers, Florida; her grandchildren; Marcus Wood, Brandy Keller, Trevor Lane, Rachelle Hostrander, Eleyna Foss, R.J. Mills, Stephanie Hamilton, Erika Huffman, Paige Huffman, Lexi Huffman, and Justine Huffman and 16 great-grand children; she is also survived by her brother Richard Pace of Florida and sister Donna Wilkins of Canada; brother-in-laws Barry(Pat) Keller of Elmira, NY and Jay Keller of Vestal, NY; Sister-in-law Joy Keller of Horseheads, NY; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert (Bob) Keller; son Christopher Keller; parents E.L. Pace and Ann and Ralph Smith; brothers Tom Pace, Jimmy Pace; sisters Teresa Pace and Jean Ciarrocca; mother and father-in-law Robert and Bessie Keller. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Christine Mills, Guthrie palliative care team; Krysta Clark, AGNP, Dr. Cassetta and Dr. Hicks for the wonderful care they gave Penny during her final days and hours. The family will welcome relatives and friends to Sullivan's Funeral Home, 365 E. Franklin St., at Rt. 13, Horseheads, NY on Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 10am - 11am. Penny's Funeral Service will be held at the conclusion of hours with Deacon George Welch. She will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery, Towanda, PA immediately following. Memorial donations may be made in Penny's name to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or the Eldridge Park Carousel.