Mary Louise (Laflamme) Keach, age 88, St. Johnsbury, VT, formerly of
Concord, VT passed away Friday, December 2, 2016 at Maple Lane
Nursing Home surrounded by her family.
Mary was born in Lyndonville, VT, on March 2, 1928, daughter of Paul
and Arlene (McCosco) Laflamme. She attended St. Johnsbury Academy
graduating in 1946. She worked at St. J Trucking Company until her
retirement in 1988 after 23 years of service. Mary married Ralph William
Keach on October 18 1947, and they celebrated 50 years of marriage.
Following their retirement, Ralph and Mary traveled the country
extensively, and wintered in Harlingen, TX until Ralph’s death in 1998.
Mary continued her travel pursuits throughout the US and Canada for many years.
She is survived by her 3 sons: Michael Keach and his wife, Annette, of
Waterford, VT, Richard Keach and his wife, Margaret of Lyndonville, VT,
and Robert Keach and his wife, Peggy of Falmouth, ME; 7 grandchildren:
Lauralee Keach, Richard Keach Jr. (Kate), Sara Rauschenberg (Carlton),
Kimberly Keach, Christopher, Zachary, and Hillary Keach; and 3 great-
grandchildren: Morgan Keach, Ellie Keach, and Marion Goodhue; a sister,
Pauline Henault of Lyndonville, VT and sister-in-law Arlene Keach of
Arizona, nieces and nephews.
Mary was predeceased by her husband, Ralph W. Keach, and her twin sister, Mae Astle.
Mary is remembered for her dedication to family and community. She
served as a den mother for Cub Scouts and as a trustee for the Concord
Public Library. Mary and Ralph participated in various capacities with local
camping clubs and were an integral part of the Concord community. She
also volunteered at the local community meal program. Her sons fondly
remember skiing with her and their Aunt Mae at the local ski club in
Concord and the family camping trips they took with their parents.
Mary enjoyed crafts, particularly sewing, using her sewing skills to
make beautiful quilts for her children and grandchildren. She loved
dancing with Ralph, reading, and long walks, especially on the beach. A
highlight of her every year was the annual family reunion and “seafood
festival” at the beach in Maine. Mary especially enjoyed the company of
her many friends and could often be found in conversation on the front
porch of the St. J House during her long-time residence there.
Friends may call on the family between 7:00pm and 9:00pm on
Friday, December 9, 2016 at Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer St, St. Johnsbury, VT.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Third Congregational Church of
East Saint Johnsbury on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 2 PM with Rev.
Ann Hockridge officiating. Burial will take place at the Concord Cemetery in the Spring.
In Lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Alzheimer’s
Association, VT Chapter, 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 128, Williston, VT 05446,
or American Cancer Society, (New England Division) PO Box 3333,
Montpelier, VT 05601-3333
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