Elsie L. Keefer

LOWVILLE- Elsie L. Keefer, 89, of Brookside Circle, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, January 13, 2025, under the care of her family and Lewis County Hospice.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Iseneker Funeral Home, 5702 Waters Road, Lowville. Spring burial will be in Castorland Union Cemetery. Calling hours will be 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the funeral service Saturday at the funeral home. A luncheon will follow the service at the Lowville VFW Post #6912, all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Elsie’s name may be made to the Lowville United Methodist Church, 7618 North State Street, Lowville, NY 13367.

Elsie is survived by her beloved husband, Kenneth; three children, Robin and Jason Buzon of Lisbon, CT, Dale Moody and Janice Daneault of Uncasville, CT, and Scott Moody of Westerly, RI; seven step-children from her marriage to Kenneth Keefer, Daniel Keefer of Lowville, Robert Keefer of Watertown, Randy Keefer of Redwood, Diane and Allan Toepfer of Pensacola, FL, Penny and Matthew Cadwell of Constantia, Kenneth and Suzanna Keefer of VT, Lisa and Peter Leubner of Dexter; four grandsons, Casey, Matthew, Sean and Brian and three great-grandchildren Camden, Brandon, and Madison (all from CT); and several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; a brother, George Kidder of Fulton and a sister, Carolyn LaClair of La Fargeville and three step-children from her marriage to Rolla Parker; a special sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sandy and Ray Moody of Croghan; several nieces, nephews and cousins.  She was pre-deceased by one son, David A. Moody who died in a car crash in 1975 at the age of nineteen; a sister, Marie Faber; three brothers, Ralph Kidder, Harold Kidder, Sterling Kidder; a daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Keefer, and one stepdaughter, Katherine Howard.

She was born on July 22, 1935, at home on Route 12 in Copenhagen, a daughter of the late Raymond and Ruth Dietrich Kidder.  Elsie graduated from Copenhagen Central School in 1953 where she was continually active in student council, sports, class plays, the 4-H club, and as art editor for both the school newspaper and yearbook.  She worked as a domestic for various families in the Copenhagen area while in school and before marriage.  Elsie also took courses at Jefferson Community College.  On February 20, 1954, she married David E. Moody at the United Church of Copenhagen.  The marriage ended in divorce in 1985.  On March 6, 1993, she married Rolla A. Parker at the United Methodist Church of Lowville.  He passed away on November 6, 1999.  Elsie worked at Todd’s Diner and Walter’s General Store, both in Lowville for a time.  After she raised her children, she began working at Lewis County General Hospital, first as a nursing assistant, then as an activity aid, and as the activities director in the extended care facility. While serving as director, she became an officer in the district and state activity association, later becoming a nationally certified activity director.  Elsie retired after 23 years of dedicated service.  Following her retirement, she worked at Kalet’s Adult Home. She was also an election inspector, and a photographer for an insurance company. On February 14, 2011, she married Kenneth R. Keefer at Gales Ferry United Methodist Church in Gales Ferry, Connecticut.

Elsie was a faithful member of the Lowville United Methodist Church.  She was also a member of the South Rutland Grange #53 where she held different offices through the years, Lowville Kiwanis Club, life member of the Lewis County General Hospital Auxiliary, life member of the Beaver River American Legion Unit #1663 Auxiliary,  and celebrated her 50 year membership in 2023 of the Lewis County VFW Post #6912 Auxiliary where she was a life member, Past President, attaining “President of the Year” for two years and Past County Council President.  She served as a secretary for the Lowville Homemakers club and Boosters Club.  Elsie also served as chairperson of the fund-raising committee for the Boosters Club.

She was president of the VFW Mohawk Adirondack Country Council and held offices on all levels of the VFW including several on the state level.  Elsie was the State Americanism Chairperson, placing second on a national level and the National VFW Children’s Home Chairperson, placing first.  She was active in her community serving on both the village Bi-Centennial and county Bi-Centennial Committees.  When her children were young, she was their 4-H leader and their Cub Scout Den Mother.

Elsie enjoyed scrapbooking, silver jewelry making, flowers, and her grandsons.

Condolences may be made online to Elsie’s family online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.