Edith J. Keough
December 16, 2020 ~ June 8, 2018
Keough- Edith Josephine, most recently of Sayville, NY,passed away peacefully on June 8, 2018 at the age of 97.'Edie' (Daly) was born December 16, 1920 in Dorcester,Mass., one of ten children to Josephine and Frank Daly. In1948, she met and wed the love of her life, Brooklyn-bornGerard Keough (a lieutenant with the NYFD), whopredeceased her in 1988. Their 40 years of married life werespent in Plainview, where they happily and proudly raisedtheir six children. Edie spent many years as a part-timelibrary aide in the Plainview elementary school system;balancing her job with church activities and volunteerism.Yet, she was always happiest and most fulfilled being athome with her family ! The greatest gift Mom ever gave her children was making them feel like they were the most special and uniquecreatures on this earth. The good fortune of having a 'stay athome mom' in those days was just knowing that when youwalked through the front door at the end of a tough schoolday, you'd inevitably be met with a melodius song comingfrom the kitchen, the delicious smell of a chocolate cakebaking in the oven and the feelings of peace and security asyou melted into Mom's welcoming embrace.Edie was a prolific letter writer, and what would be describedin today's terms as an incessant blogger. Anywhere in herhome you could always spy some personal notes, favoriteprayers, popular sayings, childhood tales. Today, her children(and grandchildren) have amassed composition books anddiaries filled from cover to cover with 'reminiscings fromMom.' Besides regularly sending out lengthy letters and cards to ahuge circle of family and friends, Edie also loved to bake (herpound cake and Irish Soda Bread were most noteworthy), andalso crochet afghans. She enjoyed creating beautiful blanketsnot just for family, but also for anyone whom she heard maybe going through tough times.Edie (Mom) leaves behind her six adoring children and theirspouses: Jerry (MaryEllen), Maureen McLaughlin (Bob), Tim(Sally), Karen Doane (James), Joanne Savastano (Mike), Bill(Laura); fifteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren;three brothers, Jack, Leo and Arthur, and many nieces andnephews. Family, friends and others whose lives Edie touched areinvited to the Branch Funeral Home, 190 East MainSt, Smithtown Sunday 2-4 & 7-9 PM to reminisce, and mostlycelebrate the life of this most wonderful lady!Funeral mass to be held at St. Patrick's R.C. Church, Monday at 10:30 AM. Private burial. In lieu of flowers, donations to St Jude Children's Hospital would be greatly appreciated.In remembrance and honor of our dear mom, the family asksthat you spend time with your children, treasure yourfriendships, sing a song, write a letter, bake a cake, revel innature or perhaps even try your hand at making an afghan!Celebrate the simple pleasures in life- this is what Edie(Mom, Gram, Gigi) would most wish for you!www.branchfh.com
Bill and Family,So sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a special lady.My deepest condolences.John
So sorry to hear about your Mom. I have so many fond memories of her and the family. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
I cleaned Edie’s room for her at Hertlin House. I truly admired her for her love for her family, friends and people. She made me feel special. She was sincerely interested in my well being. I could always feel her compassion for others. One of the best moments in my life was given to me by your mom. I was going through a very difficult time (but kept it to myself) and I was just being quiet trying to get through each day. I guess she knew something was wrong and she had tears in her eyes and asked if I was ok. She could feel my pain although I said nothing. I just smiled and said Its so hot and I am tired and thanked her for being so kind and thoughtful. It just got me through some tough times because I saw the empathy and compassion she felt. She made a huge impact on me and I think about her when I am searching for kindness in this world. That’s what life is about. Being kind and compassionate and your mom had the greatest gift of all that she shared. Thank you.