Keefe, Virgina R.

SCHENECTADY-Virginia (Adda) Russum Keefe, 86, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at Ellis Hospital. Born in Whitestone, NY she was the daughter of the late Maurice and Mary Lee (Bruce) Adda. Upon graduating from Randolph Macon Women’s College in 1949, she married Raymond Russum and raised three children living in Hicksville, NY, Saudi Arabia and Delmar, NY. During her years living in Saudi Arabia, she travelled with her young family throughout the Middle East and Europe.While raising her family, Virginia worked as a secretary for NY State and Albany Medical Center Hospital. She also tested children in the schools and volunteered her time as an adult literacy tutor.After losing her husband of 49 years in 2000, Virginia was fortunate to find love and friendship again.She married Richard Keefe and they spent thirteen happy years together.Richard’s love, kindness and strength guided her through her struggles with Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to her husband Richard and his family, survivors include three children: Charles (Patricia) of Glenmont, Janet (Kenneth) Adams of Florida and John (Nydia) of Menands.She is also survived by her sister Dorothy (Glen) Parker of Maryland.She was a loving and devoted grandma to Stephen, Elizabeth, Gabrielle and Evan.She leaves several nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

Virginia will always be remembered for her boundless love and devotion to her family. Her greatest joys were spending time with her family and classical music. She especially loved gathering her loved ones for long, happy holiday meals.We will miss Ginny's smiling face and cheerful exuberance for life.

The family wishes to thank the Kingsway Memory Care Center and Skilled Nursing Home for the excellent care she received during her stay with them.Thanks also to the Ellis Hospital ICU staff for their compassion and care in her final days.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 8:15 a.m. from the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave., Albany thence to Historic St. Mary’s Church on Capitol Hill, 10 Lodge St. Albany where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the funeral home on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m. Private interment will be in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association NENY Chapter, Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205.