Phyllis Keyes

Phyllis M. Keyes, age 96 years, passed away at her home surrounded by family on, in Holley, NY. Phyllis was born December 6, 1929 in Malden, Massachusetts, the only daughter of the late Harry and Mildred (Rock) Black. She had two brothers, Bernard Black, Beverly, MA and Frederick Black. Danvers, MA.

Phyllis moved to Peabody, MA when she was in high school. She met her future husband, Albert J. Denis, Jr., who lived in Salem, MA. They were married on May 8th, 1949. They had a son, Albert J. Denis, Jr., and two daughters, Sharon Dale & Joy Ann Denis. They moved to Peabody, MA and lived in the Veteran’s Project until 1960 when they moved to a new home in Danvers, MA where they raised their 3 children until they had all graduated from high school. They spent their Saturday nights square dancing, getting together with friends and family.

They moved to Holley, NY in September, 1972. Phyllis was a homemaker from the time she was married until her children married and had families of their own. Unexpectedly, in October 1980, Albert passed away after suffering a massive heart attack. They were married for 31 years.

Phyllis went to work for Wohler’s grocery store where she met her second husband, Sidney Keyes, Jr. They were married on June 15, 1984 and lived in Holley. They bought a camp in Fawn Lake where they spent several summers. They were married 38 years until Sidney passed away in February 2023.

Phyllis enjoyed knitting, counted-cross stitch, square dancing, reading, crosswords, ceramics and jigsaw puzzles. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and loved having them visit her.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Bernard Black and Frederick Black, two sisters-in-law Jutta Black and Constance Black, and stepdaughter, Janet (Bob) Perkins.

She is survived by her son, Albert J. (Linda) Denis, two daughters, Sharon (Allen) Robinson and Joy (James) Bowen; stepdaughter, Judy (Terry) Sheldon and stepson, Sidney, Jr. (Lynell) Keyes, grandchildren, Michele Strickland, Connie (Lance) Manning, Allen JG Robinson, Shannon Bowen, Carrie Shutz, Jennifer Wiseman, Phillip (Emily) Denis, Heather Bowen, Patrick (Abby) Robinson, Wendy (Robert) Beckenbach, great grandchildren, Courtney Strickland, Matthew Bowen, Dominique (Nikki) Bowen, Nickolas Kinmond, Savannah (John) Elkins, Kristopher Bowen, Alyssa Beckenbach, Katelyn Beckenbach, Hailey Wiseman, Brody Schutz, Austin Beckenbach, Jacob Wiseman, Kayden Schutz and Sawyer Schutz, Kinley Robinson, Emma Robinson, Andrew Robinson, Megan(Cody) Dees, Ethan Manning, Cole Manning,Ryan Denis, and Adam Denis. Great great grandchildren, Charlie and Elena Elkins, and several step grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 16650 State Route 31, Holley on Friday June 12th from 4-7 pm where her Funeral service will be held on Saturday June 13th at 11:00 am. Internment to follow at Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Orleans, 14080 Route 31, Albion NY 14411.

To share a memory of Phyllis, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.