Obituaries
Sue C. Keller, 101
May 29, 2020
On Friday, May 29, 2020, Sue C. (Orfino) Keller passed away peacefully at United Zion Retirement Community at the age of 101, where she resided since 2005.
She was the wife of the late Clarence B. keller who passed away on Sept. 13, 1992. She was born in Minersville, NY, the daughter of the late Michael and Jenny Gabriel Orfino, and stepdaughter of the late Joseph Gabriel.
Sue spent most of her childhood in Rexmont, PA, graduating from Cornwall High School in 1936. She enjoyed music and sports, playing the coronet and was the captain of the basketball team. In 1939, she earned a degree in nursing from St. Joseph School of Nursing in Lancaster, PA. In 1941, she married, moved to Lititz, and raised 4 children. During that time, she was a member of St. James Catholic Church where she was active in the Ladies Altar Society and craft bazaars. A talented homemaker, Sue enjoyed crafts, oil painting, crocheting, Knitting, and was an expert seamstress, making most of her children’s’ clothing.
She realized a life-long dream to visit her cousins in the Calabria region of Italy with her brother Chi Chi in 1969. In 1960, she returned to nursing for 10 years, retiring in 1970 to care for her daughter, Anita, who died in 1972.
Sue is survived by 2 daughters: Loretta (Keller) Frederick, wife of the late Harold E Frederick and Linda (Keller) Frederick, wife of Ronald J. Frederick, both of Lititz, and a son, Michael Keller of Peoria, AZ. She has 6 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren, a sister, Mary Mastromatteo and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Anita S. Enck, a grandson-in-law Ethan Halberstadt, and 3 sisters and 4 brothers.
On Sept. 21, 2018, family and friends gathered to celebrate Susie’s 100th birthday. After over a century of living life to the fullest, Sue has left a legacy that all of those who were privileged to know and love her will never forget.
By her own request, Sue’s remains will be donated to the Humanity Gifts Registry. Private services for the family will be held at a later date. Interment will be in Middle Creek Brethren Cemetery in Ephrata Twp., PA
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Condolences to the Family
June 15, 2020
It has been a privelige and joy for me and my youngest son to have met and known you, Sue. Having brought you Holy Communion from St James for the past 4 years, visiting you always made us smile. I’ll always remember you and I joking about the Johnny Cash song, A Boy Named Sue; and the way you taught me the pre-Vatican II version of the Penitential Rite…as soon as we began with, “I Confess,” you always took it and ran with it…no help needed from me! 🙂 We will miss you, but our hearts are jappy knowing you are with God now. Goodbye Sue.
Matt Morgan
June 13, 2020
Loretta, Linda, family, and loved ones,
Cyndy and I send our condolences on the loss of your mother recently. It does not matter at what age a parent passes; it is still difficult and is accompanied by sadness. I remember her feistiness – reminds me of a Lititz Family Practice nurse I used to work with. Our best wishes go with you and your families.
Gary Scibal
June 08, 2020
It was a privilege to know Sue. During the years we were neighbors, I never heard her say an unkind word about or to anyone. When I search for words that best describe Sue, one of my favorites is ” classy”. I remember watching her walk with head held high, back straight and always dressed with style. I know the memory of your mother will bring you comfort.
Carol A. Wheatley
June 08, 2020
My father, Chi Chi adored your mother. One of my fondest memories is watching them slow dance to ” Unchained Melody” at Carl Showers wedding. She was an astounding woman.
Elizabeth Gabriel
