WEST CARTHAGE, NY — Our hearts are heavy with the passing of Evelyn D. Keddy, 85, West Carthage, on April 15, 2019, at the Hospice Home in Watertown. She endured years of pain and suffering and was a fighter to the end.
She was born the youngest daughter of Edith and Carl Egeberg on Dec. 5, 1933, in Great Bend, NY. She grew up in Deferiet and graduated from Carthage High School in 1951.
She married Clarence H. Keddy on July 14, 1953, in the First Baptist Church of Carthage. He passed away on Jan. 19, 2008, at the age of 75.
She worked for many years in the retail business having worked for Clark Johnson and Lloyd and Marylou Barker. When her husband became ill she went to work for Crown Zellerbach Paper Corporation to help support the family In 1973, she and her husband along with her son, Mark, purchased a laundromat from Bob Miller at 15-17 Bridge St. in West Carthage, renovated it, and opened Keddy’s Bar and Restaurant. They expanded several times and continued to serve the Carthage community for 37 years. She and Clarence prepared all the homemade soups and specials that so many people loved.
They purchased land on Lake Bonaparte in the 1960s and eventually built a camp which has become the favorite place for our family to gather. She enjoyed the company of our lake neighbors and friends often playing Euchre and Yahtzee.
In her early years she bowled and sponsored many sports teams. For 20 years she helped organize and did all the food prep for the Keddy’s Golf Tournament that donated over $200,000 to various groups and high school athletic clubs in Jefferson and Lewis counties.
Her exceptional work ethic could be an example for people at any age.
She is survived by her son, Mark, and daughter-in law, Linda, her grandson, Ryan (Donell) of Carthage, her granddaughter Megan (John) Jarosz and their children Addisyn and Ella of New Hartford. She also leaves behind three sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband; two brothers, Norman and Jerry; and four sisters, Elizabeth Reape, Marge Brand, Vivian Prievo, and Dorothy Quinlavin.
Calling hours will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 22, at the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, at the funeral home with Rev. Bruce W. Chapman officiating. Burial will be at a later date at the convenience of the family in Fairview Cemetery, Carthage.
Memorial donations in her name can be made to Jefferson County Volunteer Transportation at 24685 NY 37, Watertown, NYÂ 13601 or Hospice of Jefferson County at 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, NYÂ 13601.
The family would also like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Samaritan Medical Center and Hospice of Jefferson County for their caring and compassion to make her last days as comfortable as possible.
To leave an online condolence, go to www.bezanillafh.com.
