Grace Ellen (Bilodeau) Keech left this world on Tuesday, April 20, 2023, at 96 years old, to go home with the Lord. Born July 25, 1926, to Millie (Bish) and Fred Bilodeau of Gardener Hill, Grace was one of 11 children that grew up in Toby. She married Clyde Keech on January 12, 1943, and moved to Kersey where they raised a family of their own. Clyde preceded her in death on January 2, 1991, after nearly 48 years of marriage.

Grace attended school in Toby and was a member of the Toby United Methodist Church.

“Gracie’s” presence was a one of constant love. While she was the mother of four, she took countless neighborhood children and friends into her fold, making it her job to fill their stomachs and kiss their cheeks. She spent her life caring for others. She boarded many guests, including local laborers and hunters, in their home, babysat several of her grandchildren and children of many working families, and was an elder care companion for neighbors in their final years. Grace made sure you weren’t alone and always knew how special you were (but never hesitated to let you know when she didn’t like something you were doing). In her heyday, Grace could be seen speeding up and down Brandy Camp Road and through Kersey-she always had somewhere to be. She was a road warrior and enjoyed travel, including camping when her children were younger and later several road trips with her sisters Alice, Ruth, and Mae, where they fondly referred to themselves as “the Golden Girls.” Grace bowled on several leagues at Jireh Lanes. But most notably, she was a true artist in the kitchen, famous for pies and Cookie trays. She had a talent for crocheting which she also gifted to others, including dresses, baby blankets and booties, colorful afghans and doilies.

She is survived by her four children Pamela (Ken) Anderson and their daughter Kristi (Jeff); Carl (Brenda) Keech and their children Amber (Dave), Brandy (Chuck) and Dustin (Amy); Laverne (Judy) Keech and their children Jamie, Steve (Christine), and Betsy (Philip); Robert (Delores) Keech and their children Tammy, Mike, John, Dan and Saundra (Jason). Grace’s legacy further includes 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren and one sister, Mae (Dick) Serianni of St. Marys

It is near impossible to fully capture with words the depth and breadth of this world touched by “Gracie” over her long life. Grace is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Clyde, a newborn son, Charles, a grandson, Ben, and nine siblings, Rachel Reichard, Frances Strum, Twila Moyer, Ruth DePonceau, Alice DeSantis, Dolph Bilodeau, LeRoy “Bud” Bilodeau, Leo Bilodeau, and John Bilodeau in infancy, as well as countless other friends and family.

The family would like to thank all those who helped care for and show Grace love in her final years as she suffered her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, including but not limited to, longtime friend, May Wolfe, the Kersey Senior Center, Penn Highlands Adult Day Care, ATA bus drivers, Helpmates (Community Nurses), and the staff at Mountain Laurel Healthcare.

A Funeral Service will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 11:00 AM, with the Rev. Joni Williams officiating.  Burial will follow in the Ridge Cemetery in Kersey.

Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again on Wednesday morning, from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fox Township Ambulance Association, 432 Main Street, Kersey, PA  15846, the Penn Highlands Adult Day Care, 625 Maurus Street, St. Marys, PA  15857, or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.