Obituary of Margaret Gefell

Gefell, Margaret Keegan (Betty) Rochester. Died peacefully and unexpectedly at her summer home in Thousand Island Park on the St Lawrence River Wednesday September 2, 2009. Born on April 20th, 1923 she was the daughter of Cleveland T. and Margaret Welsh Keegan of Rochester, NY. She married Robert H Gefell at Holy Rosary Church on August 1, 1953. Betty attended Holy Rosary Grammar School and Nazareth Academy High School and earned her Bachelor of Music Education Degree in 1945 from Nazareth College of Rochester where she remained an active member of the alumni association. She completed graduate coursework at SUNY Brockport. She began her teaching career at Nunda Central School and for several years was a dedicated music teacher in the Fairport School District. An active member of her community, Betty was a founding member of the choir at Christ the King Church, served as director and participated in the choir for over 50 years. Committed to the parochial education of her children, she served as a board member of Christ the King School and was involved in the Bishop Kearney High School musical productions. Her passion for music continued later in life as a participant in the Irondequoit Chorale, as a violinist with The Eastman School New Horizons Orchestra and at The Chautauqua Institute. Betty is survived by her six children; Anne Gefell, New York City, Joan (Jeremiah) Donovan, Groton, NY, Claire Gefell Duffy, Cazenovia, NY, Robert (Rita) Gefell, Richard (Michele) Gefell and Renee (Mark) Waterbury all of Watertown, NY, Fourteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and several beloved Keegan nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Robert and her brother Dr. John F. Keegan. Her family will receive friends Friday 4-8pm at the funeral home. Friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass Saturday 9:30am at Christ the King Church. Interment will be held with a graveside service Monday 10:30am at Riverside Cemetery, Wellesley Island, NY. Contributions in Betty's memory can be made to Nazareth College of Rochester and Thousand Island Park Tabernacle Association.