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- Judith Keys Obituary
Judith A. "Jude" Keys, aka ''The Button Lady"
Sadly, it seems that reports of my death have NOT been greatly exaggerated. Evidently I "kicked the bucket" on March 15, 2025, following a short illness. [I include this info because I'm sure you are dying to know]. I expected to depart this mortal coil sooner or later, but I was hoping for later. So I'm either off to join Tom Jarzab, my husband and partner of 53 years, at Gate of Heaven Cemetery or - one can always hope - maybe off to the next great adventure in, the hereafter. If so, I won't be lonesome, since most of my family has preceded me there: my parents Mary Carmelita Glynn and William P. Keys Jr., brothers William III and Frederick and my beloved sister Rosetta St. Clair. I'm survived by several hardy cousins, nieces, nephews, many wonderful friends, and several cats. I made it to "older than dirt" - much to my surprise. Though I've never strayed far from Niagara County, I've had an interesting life. I graduated from Madonna HS and got a BA in English Literature (go ahead, laugh) and a Master's degree in Social Work from UB. My goal was to be a "Renaissance Woman" and so I've had a plethora of vocations: welfare worker (ECDSS), auditor, fraud investigator & Love Canal Community Liaison (NYSDSS), liquor store owner; graphic artist, sign painter and leathersmith (manufacturing, not that kinky stuff), addiction counselor (Buffalo General), hypnotherapist and psychiatric social worker (Msgr. Carr Institute). Not one to sit idle, I also had many avocations: gardener, horsewoman, seamstress, barn builder, DIY Jill of all trades, button maker, volunteer and political activist. A lifelong liberal Democrat, I made Bernie Sanders look like a right winger. A friend of Bill W, I always tried to walk the walk. See that 30+ year old picture of me at the top of this obituary? That's how I want to be remembered, so there won't be a viewing or a funeral per se. If you didn't send me flowers while I could actually smell them, it's too late now. If you're feeling guilty about that, you could always send a donation to the SPCA, Habitat for Humanity or a local food bank in my memory. I won't know about it, but they will really appreciate the money and put it to good use.
There will be a memorial service/party in my honor at a later date in lieu of a funeral. Be prepared to tell outrageous stories at my expense, as my reputation always exceeded me. And if you drink too much, please find yourself a designated driver - - you don't want to have a reunion with me any time soon.
For details on the upcoming memorial service/celebration of life and to RSVP, please send an email to judecelebration@gmail.com.
Arrangements were made through the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, Lewiston, NY.
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- 2025