Northborough – Mrs. Virginia Elise (Cartier) Keyes died peacefully Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017 at Knollwood Nursing Center. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Richard B. Keyes.
Virginia leaves three daughters, Christine E. Keyes of Delray Beach, Fla., Jacqueline D. Renaud and her husband Gary of West Boylston, and Marilyn B. Ellis and her husband Joseph of Shrewsbury; a son, Robert M. Keyes of Northborough; and a sister, Beverly T. Bruso of Worcester, as well as many step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son, Michael Keyes, and two siblings, Leo A. Cartier and Rosalie M. Morello.
Virginia was born in Quantico, Va. She was one of four children born to Leo P. and Elise R. (Rondeau) Cartier. As a child, she enjoyed living on military bases in the U.S. and Haiti while her father served in the Marines. She was a graduate of Leicester High School, class of 1939, and studied administrative work at Becker College in Worcester.
Virginia worked at Sawyer’s Lumber Company in Worcester, where she met her husband. After marrying, Virginia lived in Northborough for over 60 years. She was a long-time member of St. Rose of Lima Church in Northborough. Virginia sold Avon products, worked at Lincoln Pharmacy in Northborough, and retired from the Veterans’ Office at the Northborough Town Hall.
Virginia loved reading, walking, vacationing near beaches, and spending time with family and close friends. As her eyesight dimmed in later years, Virginia kept her mind sharp by listening to audio books and daily conversations with her sister and helpers who became close friends.
The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Summit Elder Care and Knollwood Nursing Center for the wonderful support given to Virginia during her final years.
A funeral Mass and burial will be held in the spring of 2018.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Virginia’s memory with a donation to the Northborough Library, http://northboroughlibrary.org/northborough/donations.asp, or the National Library Service for the Blind, http://www.loc.gov/nls/donate.html.
