Mary Louise Keyser, 94, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 9, 2024, at Atrium Gardens in Tampa, Florida. She was born on February 5, 1930, in Hartford, Connecticut, the daughter of Eastman Marville Page, and Addie Lillian (Beaumont) Page.
In 1951 Mary Lou married John Arthur Underhill, who predeceased her in 2002 after 51 years of marriage. In 2005 she married Frank Ray Keyser Jr., who predeceased her in 2015.
She was a loving, compassionate wife and a nurturing, supportive mother to six children, all the while maintaining a witty sense of humor throughout her life. Many of her one-liners had us laughing out loud.
Mary Lou attended Peace college and the University of Rhode Island, obtaining a degree with a major in English and a Minor in Psychology. It was always a treat to hear her quote from Chaucer and Shakespeare.
Primary residences for Mary-Lou were in Rhode Island; Vestal, New York; Olney, Maryland; Burlington, Vermont and Hernando, Florida. As a person who enjoyed travel, she visited several places including Bermuda, Alaska, Japan, Scotland, Germany, Australia, Canada, Hawaii and many of our National Parks.
Mary Lou was an avid golfer who proudly accomplished the goal of a hole in one. She was a prolific bridge player, enjoyed theater, puzzles, crossword puzzles, and playing church hymns on piano. Although not a fan of the cold, she was a champ about going to the mountains for family skiing outings, for which she made the best hot cocoa. She knit ski sweaters for her children and in her later years knit infant hats to donate to local hospitals. She thoroughly enjoyed baking, and family and friends reaped the benefits of her efforts such as her Chocolate Meringue Torte, Pompadour Pudding, Apricot pie and Almond Christmas rings.
After raising six children, giving them the assurance to be independent and the knowledge of the importance of family connection, Mary Lou ventured into the work world. She was a substitute teacher in Maryland and Vermont and a Vermont State realtor where she was awarded realtor of the month on occasion.
While a member of the First Congregational Church in Burlington, VT, she became the church secretary. Her most recent church membership was with The First Presbyterian Church in Inverness Florida, where lifelong, special friendships were made.
One of Mary Lou’s most distinguished accomplishments was to become president of her PEO sister’s association in Florida. This association gave mom a platform for her strong interest in supporting women in obtaining advancements in education.
Mary Lou was genuinely warm and inviting to all visiting family and friends. Her eyes smiled when she greeted you. She leaves behind many who were truly fortunate to have her as a mom, a Nana, a Gigi and a friend. Mary Lou is survived by children, Charles Underhill [Mary Z], Brad Underhill [Donna], Marcia Spinner [Warren], David Underhill and John Underhill [Karen]; Daughter in laws Mary Underhill, Julie Underhill and Kim Underhill; grandchildren, Kate Grieve [Brian], Mindy Normand [Joe], and Paul Spinner [Erin], Laura Underhill, Nicole King [Jason], Tyler Underhill [Kate], Elisa Atwell [Jason], Christopher Underhill, Daniel Underhill, Kendra Underhill [Emmanuel], Brandon Underhill and Zander Underhill; and 10 Great grandchildren. Mary Lou was predeceased by her son, Douglas Underhill [Kim], who passed away in January of 2022.
The family requests that any donation be made to the PEO scholarship fund in honor of Mary Lou Keyser.
To donate go to:peointernational.org ,Online Donations. PEO is an international philanthropic educational organization whose mission it is to help women advance through education.
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