Jannell D. Keefe, 64, of Massena and Rochester passed away Wednesday evening at her home in Rochester after a long battle with kidney disease.
She is survived by her loving husband of 39 years Michael Keefe; her daughter and son-in-law Karlyn and Richard Alvarado; and her beloved grandson, Nathaniel Keefe Alvarado. Jannell is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law ,William and Melodee Doull; her nephew Marc Doull; and her cousin Ann (Earl) Halback. She also leaves behind a great many close friends.
Jannell was born in Watertown on January 3, 1947, the daughter of Nellie Graves and Glenn S. Doull. She was a 1965 graduate of Watertown High School a graduate of Jefferson Community College and a 1969 graduate of SUNY Oswego. She also completed graduate work at SUNY Oswego, Midwestern University in Texas and SUNY Potsdam.
On April 3, 1971, she married Michael Thomas Keefe at Asbury United Methodist church in Watertown. In 1976 she gave birth to her only child Karlyn.
Jannell taught primary school at Sodus Elementary in Sodus; Sheppard Air Force Base Private School in Wichita Falls, TX; and Norwood-Norfolk Central Schools. In 2002 she retired from teaching with 32 years of service.
After her retirement Jannell did volunteer work at the Massena Free Clinic. In 2008 the couple bought a second home Rochester to be closer to their daughter and in 2009 they welcomed their first grandchild Nate whom she loved with all of her heart.
Calling hours in Rochester will be Tuesday, March 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 104 Windemere Road Rochester and Friday, March 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Donaldson Funeral Home, 100 North Main Street, Massena. A Memorial Service is planned at Donaldson Funeral Home on Saturday, March 5, at 11a.m.
A spring graveside service will be in Brownville Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the Glenn S. Doull Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of Northern New York Community Foundation, HSBC Building, 120 Washington St. Suite 400 Watertown, NY 13601
In accordance with Jannell’s wishes please consider becoming an organ donor.
Condolences may be made online at www.donaldsonfh.com
