Marjorie Keyes

A resident of the Dundas Manor in Winchester for the past two years, Marjorie Keyes passed away peacefully there on Sun., May 2, 2010. She was 85.
Marjorie was born in Rowena on June 11, 1924 to her parents, Orval and Pearl Seeley (nee Hamilton), and was raised on the family farm with her sister Faith and her brother Carl. During her childhood Marjorie developed a love of farming, music, and Church which she maintained for her entire lifetime.
On Sept. 2, 1946 she married Samuel Keyes, and together they had four children: Barbara, Dale, Dean, and Brian. Following their marriage, they began farming on the Irish Headline Road where Marjorie was very involved in operating the farm, and she became very knowledgeable about cattle. Eventually sons Dale and Dean became involved in farming and together the family built a very successful farming operation.
In addition to helping on the farm and raising her family, Marjorie always attended Hulbert-Valley Church where she served as a member of the U.C.W. and church organist for many years. Marjorie loved music and could sit for hours playing the piano and singing. She passed on her love of music to several members of her family.
She was a member of the Moonlight Chapter #224 Order of the Eastern Star Iroquois, and she served as lodge organist for many years.
Marjorie and Sam did a lot of travelling during their 51 years together. In addition to travelling all over Canada, they visited almost every state in the United States, as well as Ireland, Scotland, England, and Europe.
Marjorie was a cheerful person evident by her smiling face.
One of Marjorie's talents was cooking, especially baking. Her pies, cinnamon rolls, and other treats were enjoyed by many people over the years, and they will be a fond memory for each member of her family.
Marjorie is survived by her children, Barbara (Adri) Verhey of Toyes Hill, Dale (Lois) of South Mountain, Dean (Anne) of South Mountain, Brian (Irene) of Barrie; her grandchildren, Shelley Barwick (Randy), Scott Verhey (Tanya), Kurtis Keyes (Brittany), Ryan Keyes (Krystal), Kristen Keyes (Kyle), Kimberly Keyes, Jill Keyes (Andy); her great-grandchildren, Presley and Carleigh Barwick; Braden, Nathen and Lanie Verhey; Sam and Oliver Keyes; and Brian Rathwell; and her brother-in-law, Rae Banford of Dixons Corners. She was predeceased by her sister, Faith Banford, and her brother, Carl Seeley. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Iroquois on Tues. May 4. The funeral service was held at her beloved Hulbert-Valley United Church on Wed., May 5 with Rev. Andrew Love officiating, followed by interment at Spruce Haven Cemetery in Brinston. The pallbearers were Scott Verhey, Ryan Keyes, Kurtis Keyes, Brent Fawcett, Ross Giles, and Stephen Mellon.
Donations to Hulbert-Valley United Church would be appreciated by the family.