In Memory

Dorothy Keeler

Dorothy Keeler

We have not yet located an obituary but have been able to reconstruct some information about her life.

Dorothy was born on 28 August 1904 in "New York". In 1918 at the age of 14 she was adopted by A. E. Snyder in New Milford, Pennsylvania, and was given the name Dorothy Jean Snyder. On 26 December 1930 in New Milford she married Lasa Earl Keeler. Both were graduates of the music program at Syracuse University. Lasa died in 1972 in Lockport, NY. Dorothy June Keeler died 1 June 1995 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

A newspaper article (below) about Dorothy provides interesting background information about her work outside of WCS.
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Lockport, N.Y., Union-Sun & Journal, Thursday, February 7, 1957

Mrs. Keeler, Clef Club Director, Tells Why Choir Was Started Here

The Clef Club, which will present its fifth annual concert Feb. 23, at 8:30, in the Lockport Senior High School, was originally organized by Mrs. Dorothy Keeler, director, because of numerous requests for such a choir in lockport. She considered the idea for several months, but not too seriously.

Then she attended the Fred Waring Workshop during the summer of 1951, and while there realized what could be accomplished.

As soon as Mrs. Keeler returned to Lockport from the Workshop she immediately started a telephone “census” to get the reaction of prospective choristers. The response ws terrific – all were enthusiastic. Rehearsals were started and the Clef Club's first public appearance was held five years ago in February and was sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Lockport, which also sponsored the next two concerts.

Mrs. Keeler was graduated from the College of Fine Arts at Syracuse University, with the degree of bachelor of music, majoring in public school music. Prior to her marriage to Lasa Keeler, Technical Sales Manager at the Upson Company, this city, she taught school for three years.

Since her marriage, Mrs. Keeler has substituted in the public schools, and has always been in church choir work. She studied at the Paul Christiansen Choral School at Theil College, Greenville, Pa, in the summer of 1956.

Mrs. Keeler is presently director of music at Emmanuel Methodist Church, directing the Junior Choir of children from 4th through 8th grades, and the Chancel Choir off adults.

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