Ettie Jane Gleason Keogh

Tributes~Ettie Jane Gleason Keogh

Ettie Jane Gleason Keogh
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Date of Birth: 
May 7 1929
Date of Death: 
August 27 2016

Beloved school teacher, Ettie Jane Gleason Keogh passed away at her home surrounded by her family, on August 27, 2016. Ettie Jane was born to Lena and Homer Gleason on May 7, 1929, She was raised in the home built by her father on a block that was classically "Gleason". She spent her childhood running around the Gleason's General Store and the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Mary, both of which her father had a hand in constructing. She later married Richard Keogh (who proceeded her in death) and they built their home in the backyard of the church. "The block" as it was commonly referred to, was the place of her life.

Over the course of her 40 year career, she had the honor of teaching hundreds of students at Lake Mary Elementary, Southside Elementary, Pine Crest Elementary, Hopper Elementary, and Lyman High School. After her husband's retirement, they followed in her parent's footsteps and opened a store of their own - the Left-Handed Irishman - being that she was left-handed and Richard was Irish, the store became a natural blend of the two people.

Ettie Jane's passion for preserving the history of her community led her to many opportunities, including being a founding member of the Lake Mary Historical Commission and serving on the Board of the Seminole County Historical Society. She also sat on the governing boards of the Lake Mary Presbyterian Church.

Throughout her final days, she was surrounded by the love of her family. Stories were shared, love cascaded over her in a blanket of warmth until her final breath. Blessed are those who had the great pleasure of knowing and loving her!

She is survived by three of her four sons, Craig Keogh (Susan) of Orlando, Keith Keogh (Vicki) of Windemere, and Colin Keogh (Susan) of Casselberry. Her fourth son, Kyle Keogh, passed last August. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends.

Ettie Jane's celebration of life was held at the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Mary on September 3, 2016 with interment at the Historical Lake Mary Cemetery.

Media data: 
Place of Birth: 
Lake Mary, Florida, United States
Place of Death: 
Lake Mary, Florida, United States
Primary State of Residence: 
Lake Mary, Florida, United States

Comments (2)

Ettie Jane loved her sayings...she always had a way with the children she taught through the many years. she also was a fabulous friend and colleague as we taught together. She was always a proud mother, wife ,grandmother and most of all friend to so many!
She loved her family and will truly be missed by so many in the community and whoever had the pleasure of meeting her along her life path was truly touched for a lifetime!
Love to her family ... always remember the good times!
Blessings, Ettie Jane loved her sayings...she always had a way with the children she taught through the many years. she also was a fabulous friend and colleague as we taught together. She was always a proud mother, wife ,grandmother and most of all friend to so many!
She loved her family and will truly be missed by so many in the community and whoever had the pleasure of meeting her along her life path was truly touched for a lifetime! Love to her family ... always remember the good times!
Blessings, Carin Stowell

I have known Ettie Jane since 1970 when I first began teaching at Lake Mary. I would say she was somewhat of a mentor for me in teaching, but also in life. I loved hearing the tales of her family, Lake Mary Elementary, the city of Lake Mary, the Gleasons. She once put together a small notebook of quotations and gave it to me for my birthday. Priceless! God has you wrapped in his arms, Ettie Jane.

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