ALBANY – Ellen L. McKeon, 73, of Albany, passed away on Thursday, September 2, 2021. Ellen was born and raised in Albany, the daughter of the late M. Joseph McKeon and Helen K. Leary McKeon. She was a graduate of St. Teresa of Avila School, Vincentian Institute, and the College of St. Rose. She also earned master’s degrees at both SUNY Oswego and Keene State in New Hampshire. Ellen lived for many years in South Cairo, and was a teacher in the Catskill Central School District. She moved back to Albany in retirement, and was active in her church, and a member of the Angels to Each Other group at All Saints Catholic Church. She also enjoyed participating in book clubs, traveling both to foreign countries and domestically, hiking, and she was a member of the Thomas Cole National Historic Site where she volunteered as a docent. Ellen’s greatest enjoyment came from spending time with her family and friends.
Ellen is survived by her siblings Dr. Mary Kay Klein (the late Rev. Dr. J. Theodore) of West Roxbury, MA, Ann Brass (Richard) of Pleasantville, Michael McKeon of Albany, John McKeon (Karen Greklek) of Eastchester, James McKeon (Rhonda) of Albany, and Thomas McKeon (Kimberly) of Harwich Port, MA.
Ellen is also survived by her nieces and nephews the late Karen McNulty (James), John Klein (Myriah), Kevin Klein (Heather Greer), Deborah Brass (Amber), Jacqueline Ponticiello (Michael), Timothy Brass, Brian McKeon (Christina), Kelly McKeon, Michael McKeon, Katherine Cirigliano (Matthew), Erin McKeon, Joanne Kemnitz (James) and Julia McDonald (Aidan). Also survived by great nieces and nephews Willow, Rowan, and Linden Klein, Madelyn and Michael Ponticiello, Michael and Christopher Kemnitz, and Patrick and Joseph McDonald.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Tuesday morning at 8:15 a.m., and from there to All Saints Catholic Church, 16 Homestead St. (behind CVS), Albany at 9:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Monday from 4-7 p.m. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, 218 Spring Street Catskill, NY 12414, or The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Janet Forbes
May I extend my most sincere sympathy & prayers to the family.
Beverly Huba McCasland
Ellen was a classmate of mine since Kindergarten at St. Teresa of Avila through High School at Vincentian Institute. We grew up in the same New Scotland Ave. neighborhood. We reconnected at our 50th VI reunion and spoke frequently on Facebook.. She has always been a kind and thoughtful person and loved her family. Ellen always had the quest for learning something new. I know she was a great teacher. May she now rest in the peace of God and my prayers are with her family.
Anne Hoffman Cronin
So very sorry to hear of the loss of Ellen! She was a classmate of mine at VI and St. Rose and I was so blessed to reconnect with her around the time of our 50 reunions from both schools. May her family be comforted and may she rest In peace, in the arms of Our Lord.
Mary Leary
My deepest sympathies to all my cousins and their families. I fondly remember many good times with Ellen and the McKeon clan when we were growing up. Ellen had such a big and caring heart. I’m so glad I was able to see her a few years ago in Albany. My thoughts are with all of you. Love, Mary (and Rich)
Patricia Blakeney
Extending my prayers and condolences to the entire family. So sorry for your loss
Barbara Wilson Miller
Praying for comfort as you grieve the loss of your dear sister.
Christine Ryan
Her obituary shows that Ellen has touched a great many lives in such positive ways. I offer condolences to her siblings, other family, and friends.
Joanne Hennessy Thompson
My deepest sympathy to the family and prayers for all.
Pat Sommer
So sorry to hear of Ellen’s passing. Mary Kay, you and your family are in our prayers and thoughts. Sending love and hugs.
Anita Ruby Payne
Be well with God my friend. I will miss spending time with you! Love forever.
TimothyJ Gaffney
Prayers and condolences to the McKeon family for the loss of Ellenn
leslie dykeman
My cousin Judy and I were frequent visitors to Grandpa Dykeman’s on Grove Avenue in the 50s and early 60’s. We always looked forward to these visits as we got to play with Anne and Ellen who were his neighbors. Remembering your family with special childhood memories. I am so sorry to read of Ellen’s death. My thoughts are with all of you.
Mary Frances Hatton
Ellen was a friend and colleague and she will be missed by myself and all her friends in Catskill.
Lois Ferraro
Thoughts and prayers go out to her family May you Rest in Peace,God Bless.
Linda Gentalen
My sympathy to all the family — thank you for all you did to make Ellen’s life better. We taught together at Grandview School, and we traveled together in Ireland years ago. I have many happy memories with Ellen that I will cherish, and today, on her birthday, I feel she must be celebrating in heaven.
Kathleen Economides
Mary Kay and Family,
My sincere condolences on Ellen’s passing. May Ellen rest in peace.
Deb Drum Bowers
I loved Miss McKeon as my third grade teacher! I remember that we hatched chicks as a class and she brought them around to us to pet. She was so kind, so patient. I remember that she understood my love for books. Lord, please be with her family and bring comfort and peace. I look forward to seeing her again someday in heaven!
Nancy Howser
I am sorry to hear of Ellen’s passing.We met at Grandview School in 1969. We went on trips together,and had a happy friendship.May God take her into heaven. Nancy Howser
Mary Ann Perks
So sorry to not be able to hear her voice.
So dedicated, kind and loving to all her students.
Always felt warm to be in her company.
Loving memories and good wishes to her big family!
A colleague from school
Suzanne Stumm
Dearest Aunt MaryKay,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Love, Suzy
Betsy Jacks
Dear family members of dear Ellen,
I am so very sad to hear of Ellen’s passing. She was such a kind and generous volunteer at the Thomas Cole site for many years! She always had a smile for me and helped so much to get our little organization off the ground. She was warm and supportive and understanding and a joy to be with. I will miss her so much and I am so appreciative for all that she gave of herself and her valuable time. Blessings and condolences to all who love her!
Bonnie Maroney
So saddened to hear of Ellen’s passing. We taught together for many years and spent time in Cairo and Albany lunching, yakking, and exchanging books–i will miss that. Ellen was a lovely lady who always spoke so highly of her wonderful family–my sincere condolences go out to all of you. I also enjoyed how she delighted in nature.
Jim and Emily Nalle
Obituary seen on 4/10/23.
Ellen and I were roommates in grad school. We put $10 a week in a jar to buy groceries for the week. Whatever was left over went in a separate jar, and when we’d saved enough, we’d go out to eat. She and I kept a clean apartment and took pride in that. One time we were raided by the State Police. I answered the door in my bathrobe. Ellen asked who it was hearing the loud and determined knocking on the door. I told her it was the State Police. All these years later I can still hear her asking, “The STATE POLICE???!!!” When the police entered her bedroom, she had her blankets up to her chin as they looked under her bed. She and I laughed about this often. Thankfully, the other upstairs apartment was the home of drug dealers. She visited my family with me. We enjoyed many a good day. The world has lost a great lady. Jim and I send our deepest condolences.