Adele S. Keegan
November 1, 2024
Adele S. Keegan, 84, a resident of Central New York since 1962, passed away peacefully with her family on Friday, November 1, 2024 at Auburn Community Hospital.
Born in New York City, native of Long Island, Adele was the daughter of John and Adele S. Smiros. A graduate of SUNY Oswego, she had an outstanding teaching career at Owasco Elementary School from 1962-1995. Adele was well noted for possessing a creative spirit in and out of the classroom. She was beloved for her teaching methods, teaching every child the game of chess, critical thinking, bringing music and laughter with the "glass is always half full" mind-set. Every student she taught was sure they were her favorite.
An avid patron of music and the performing arts, Adele was forever encouraging her students to perform and reach for the stars.
Her bon vivant spirit spilled into the community. At the Merry Go Round Playhouse, The Owasco Yacht Club, bus trips to New York City on the Walsh bus adventures. Adele was always the leader of the "fun."
The Owasco Yacht Club was a special place for Adele. Her enthusiasm led to many roles at the club. A Past Commodore of the Club, former Director of Entertainment, Dining and Buildings-Grounds committees.
At the age of 55 she proudly swam across Owasco Lake to raise money for education drawing crowds of inspired fans to cheer her along the way.
Her years at SUNY Oswego brought lifelong friendships with her sorority sisters. A special thank you to Mary Catherine and Thelma for singing your Sorority song one last time for her as Babs and I, and all of 4 Central at the hospital were fully enthralled with that performance.
In politics she served as a campaign Manager for Auburn's first woman Mayor, Melina Carnicelli.
Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, R. Michael and Lisa Homic, Auburn; grandchildren, Thomas, Daniel, Caitlin, Lydia, Eirne; great-grandchildren, Casey and Riley; sister, Diana "Dee" (Robert) Fyfe of Clearwater Fla.; along with several nieces and nephews, Borland Family, Oswego N.Y., Fyfe Family, Ohio. Known to all as "Aunt Chickie."
Adele was predeceased by her husband, Thomas in 1993; a daughter, (Michael's twin) Erin in 2005; and a brother, John, and her parents.
The family would especially like to thank Adele's caregivers, Margaret Hartman, Teresa Roche-McKeen, and Barbara Palmer.
On Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Sacred Heart Church, 90 Melrose Rd., Auburn calling hours will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon with Reverend Michael Brown as Celebrant. A private interment will be held at St. Joseph's Cemetery at a later date.
The omission of flowers is requested with remembrances going to Perform 4 Purpose, Inc., c/o 8 Fourth Ave., Auburn, N.Y.
Adele Keegan – " I'll be seeing you." Peace.
Farrell's Funeral Service, Inc., 84 South St., Auburn, N.Y.
