Patricia Wray Keller

Patricia Wray Keller, “Pat”, loving mother and grandmother, died peacefully at home in St. Michaels, MD, on January 12, 2019, at the age of 90, surrounded by her four children and family. Patricia was born on October 9, 1928, in Glen Ridge NJ, daughter of William Donald and Marguerite MacDonald Wray. She graduated from Glen Ridge High School (’46), Cazenovia College (’48), and Columbia Presbyterian School of Nursing (’51), earning her B.S. degree in Nursing. She moved to California in 1952 where she worked as a labor and delivery nurse at Coronado Hospital from 1952-54. While in California, she met her husband of 58 years, Richard Keller. They were married in Glen Ridge, NJ, in July of1954. Pat and Dick raised their family in Upper Saddle River, NJ, where they lived for more than 30 years. Pat’s life-long passions included sports, antiques, bridge, and politics. In New Jersey, she participated in local politics and enjoyed coaching girls sports. She volunteered at The Depot in support of the Ridgewood Hospital and worked in retail clothing at MacHughs in Ridgewood, NJ, for eleven years. Pat and Dick retired to St. Michaels, MD, in 1989 where Pat continued to participate in community life. She volunteered at the Easton Memorial Hospital’s blood pressure clinic and was an active member of the Talbot Historical Society and volunteered at the Tharpe Antique House. She had her own antique business at Foxwells for five years. She was an accomplished athlete throughout her life and loved competing in both tennis and golf. She was a member of the Talbot Country Club for over 25 years where she enjoyed golfing and socializing with her many friends. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in St. Michaels, MD. She also enjoyed being a member of the Academy of Arts in Easton, MD, for many years. She loved living in St. Michaels and each day awoke to enjoy her beautiful view of the Miles River. Her friends were dear to her and spending time with them playing bridge, going to the movies, and dining out was a favorite part of her life. Patricia is survived by her sister, Susan Wray Sullivan of Stuart, FL, and Jackson, WY; two sons, John W. Keller and his wife Katherine of St. Simons Island, GA, and Richard L. Keller, Jr., and his partner John Rappaport of Bowie, MD; two daughters, Julia K. Fontaine and her husband Joel of Marshfield, MA, Elisabeth K. Brightly and her husband Robert of Union Township, NJ.; and six grandchildren, Trevor, Erin, Christopher, Kathryn, Jack and Douglas. She was predeceased by her sister, Donna Wray Dromeshauser. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the American Red Cross in her memory. A gathering to celebrate Patricia’s life will be held at a future date.

Patricia Wray Keller

October 9, 1928 - January 12, 2019