Carmen Keay

Carmen Pauline Pesa Keay passed peacefully May 18, 2021. She joins her husband Gilbert, son Michael, sister Dolores and eternal family in heaven.  She is survived by her children Leslie Steil, Patrick Keay, Jeffrey Keay, and her grandchildren, Jacqueline and Casey Steil,  Alex, Adam, Amanda Keay and Brandon and Darien Keay. 

Carmen was born in Cincinnati Ohio on June 30, 1929. She attended Villa Madonna Academy in Covington Kentucky, Saint Ursula Academy Cincinnati, Ohio and college years at the University of Cincinnati and Barry University where she earned her degree in teaching.  Carmen first worked for the United States Air Force (USAF ) in Columbus, Ohio and coordinated all the youth programs and was Assistant Service Director for the enlisted men.  She met her husband Gilbert Keay, a pilot in the USAF and truly enjoyed the social and comradely of being a member of the Airman’s wives club and Officers Club.  Being stationed in Germany, France, Colorado, Orlando, Alamogordo and Panama City during the era of the Cold War and Cuba Missile crisis brought adventure and challenges to Carmen and the family.  After leaving the Air Force Carmen settled in Waterville Maine and she taught Physical Education and health and was a Field Hockey and Basketball coach for Lawrence High School in Fairfield, Maine.   Carmen moved to Michigan where she joined the YMCA as an Aquatic Director and then Program Director with the South Oakland YMCA in Royal Oak, Michigan and Wayne Westland YMCA.  In March 1980 Carmen moved to Vero Beach, Florida where she worked with the YMCA and in 1983 moved to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and became the Executive Director of the YMCA.  After retiring from the YMCA, she was very active with Palm Beach Community College and was selected to serve as a mentor for the Leadership of Palm Beach Programs and loved her work at Publix supermarket.  

Carmen’s most memorable times were her times as a PE teacher/coach, working with teens, the YMCA and being a devoted mother and grandmother.  

Carmen dedicated her life to her Catholic faith and sharing her faith with her children and grandchildren and lived her faith in community service and helping those less fortunate.   With a strong devotion to our Lady the Blessed Virgin Mary, Carmen was a faithful member of the Saint Mary’s Catholic Community in Royal Oak, Michigan, Cathedral of St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Helen Catholic Church and generously supported the Poor and underprivileged.

Carmen’s love for life, fun and faith will be in our hearts forever.

A Committal service will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery 701 E. Ross Ave., St. Bernard, Wednesday May 26^th at 1PM. All those who wish to attend, please meet inside the main gate at 12:45PM.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to SafeSpace, St. Helen Catholic Church and Halo Rescue.