Margaret Keller Obituary

Margaret M. Keller
November 27, 1962 - July 28, 2021

Margaret M. (née Forde) Keller died Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at the age of 58, surrounded by her family. She was born on March 5, 1962, to Josephine (née Conroy) Forde and Thomas Forde in Ridgefield Park but relocated to Whippany, New Jersey. She graduated from Ridgefield Park High School before earning a degree in speech therapy from Montclair State University. She was a lifelong member of St. Francis R.C. Church, where she will be remembered by her close friend Father Sean McDonnell.

Mrs. Keller was well-known in the field of education, having worked as a speech therapy teacher at Hanover Park Regional High School throughout her career. She had a deep passion for helping children find their voice and confidence, which was reflected in her dedication to her students, with whom she continued to maintain close relationships. A lifelong lover of her Irish background, she was a cherished member of the Early McLoughlin School of Irish Dancing, where she established lifelong friendships and shared her appreciation for Irish heritage and music.

Mrs. Keller had a deep love of family traditions and became family to all who knew her. A friend to all, her kindness and open heart were gifts she shared with everyone, but most of all with her beloved husband of 38 years, William Keller, her high school sweetheart.

Mrs. Keller poses with her husband, William.

A natural-born entertainer, Mrs. Keller enjoyed spending quality time with her loved ones, and always brought joy to her company with her warmth and humor. She had an uncanny way of making everyone feel like a best friend, including her dear friends from the Irish dancing community and fellow educators at Hanover Park Regional High School.

Mrs. Keller was a fighter, whose strength and resilience will always be remembered. She had her own special saying, "LUM2P"—Love You Mieces to Pieces, a phrase that will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her.

Mrs. Keller was preceded in death by her parents, Josephine and Thomas Forde, and her sister, Marie Radburn. She is survived by her beloved husband, William Keller, and their children: Lauren Ficara and her husband Chad, William Keller and his wife Stephanie, and Kiera Keller and her fiancé Michael Booth. She was a cherished grandmother to Maeve, Donovan, Ronan, and William. She is also survived by her siblings, Thomas E. Forde, James Forde, and Kevin P. Forde, along with her adoring nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

The Kellers celebrating the marriage of Lauren and Chad Ficara.

A funeral mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 31st, at St. Francis R.C. Church in Ridgefield Park, officiated by her close friend, Father Sean McDonnell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Margaret’s memory to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.