Obituary of Lillian Lucille Keephart

Lillian Lucille Keephart, 101, of Ewing Township passed away peacefully at the Greenwood House on Thursday November 14, 2024.

Born in Philadelphia Lillian was an area resident most of her life.

Lillian’s life revolved around teaching.  After earning her Degree from Trenton State College she began her journey as an elementary school teacher and upon retirement from her many dedicated years with the Ewing School District, she enriched the lives of many seniors. 

Lillian was a true music enthusiast. In addition to her passion for opera, musicals and the theatre she pursued her own talents as an accomplished pianist, organist and accordion aficionado…playing for social occasions and shows.

Lillian was a talented Ballroom dancer and later taught line dancing. She choreographed many programs for her students whose reputation rose to high ranks with the Ewing Senior Line Dancing Performers…The Young at Heart Dancers. She was proud of her students and this was a source of great fun, creativity and happiness for her. She was even a contestant for the Senior Ms. New Jersey Pageant.

Lillian also excelled in her swimming competitions where she earned many awards. Not only did Lillian swim every day and set incredible goals for herself…which she accomplished, Lillian also taught water ballet and aerobics. Whether she was teaching her adorable Kindergarten students or leading a class of Seniors, Lillian remembered every student’s name and she was revered by them as well…to this very day.

Lillian cherished spending time with her family and thrilled in the many trips she shared with them…whether they traveled the States or she joined her Children and extended families to foreign places. One special tour was her father’s 100^th Birthday Family Caribbean Cruise…and just last year her family, far and wide, gathered to celebrate The Dancing Queen on the occasion of her 100^th Birthday! She was a GEM!

Daughter of the late Joseph Carlyle D’Annunzio and Lillian Dicrescenzo D’Annunzio, wife of the late William Kurt Keephart, sister of the late Lola D’Annunzio and Joseph Carlyle D’Annunzio, Jr., Lillian is survived by her son, William Joseph Keephart, CPA and his wife Lydia Fabbro Keephart, Esquire; her daughter Jo Ann Keephart and partner David Stradling, her grandchildren, Jonathan Fabbro Keephart, Esquire, and his wife Alexandra Keephart, and her great-grandchildren, Atlas Henry Keephart, Bear Christian Keephart and Kira Elide Keephart. Lillian is also survived by her sister-in-law Barbara Claire D’Annunzio and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins and cherished friends.

The family would also like to offer their sincere gratitude to the physicians and staff at Greenwood House and to Monsignor Vincent Gartland for his comfort and support.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Lillian on Monday, November 18, 2024 at the Church of Saint Ann, 1253 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, NJ with the Very Rev. Msgr. Vincent Gartland Officiating. Burial will follow in the Ewing Church Cemetery, Ewing, NJ.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the Church of Saint Ann.