Priscilla W. Keefe

Priscilla W. “Percy” Keefe

Elmira: Age 87, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026. Percy was born in Elkland PA a daughter of Dr. Harry and Lorensa (Seeley) Williams. She is predeceased by her husband Joseph L. Keefe, Sr., sister Ann O’Connell, brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bonnie Keefe, Michael and Sharon Keefe. Percy is survived by her children, with their families….Joseph L., Jr. and Karen Keefe of East Homer NY, with their son and daughter-in-law, Shawn and Tessa Keefe, and their children, Henry and Finnian; daughter and son-in-law Shannan and David Kleiman, and their daughter Isabell…daughter and son-in-law Elizabeth and David Osborn of East Syracuse NY; and their son and daughter-in-law Ryan and Dimple Osborn, and their sons, Rowan and Kiran…daughter and son-in-law Sarah and Robert Sandore of Rome NY; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John “Jack” Keefe III, Katherine “Katie” and Richard “Dick” Hughes; Mary and Dennis Wolfe; along with several nieces and nephews.

Percy earned her master’s degree from Elmira College. In 1968 she started a 29-year career as a second-grade teacher at Beecher School in Elmira. She loved being a teacher, and in 1997, her last year of teaching, was named “Teacher of the Year” at Beecher School. Percy was a volunteer for St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary and was a long-time active member and past president of the Ladies Division of the Msgr. John J. Lee Ancient Order of Hibernians. She was also a long-time communicant of St. Mary’s Church. Percy loved being with family and friends, whether it was while sitting on her front porch or at Keuka Lake. Her laugh was contagious and her smile would light up a room. She will be forever loved and missed.

Services for Percy will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at St. Mary’s Church, 224 Franklin Street, Elmira. Visitation will be from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. The Ladies Division of the Hibernians will have a prayer service for Percy at 9:45 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Interment, with committal prayers, will then take place at St. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery.

Those wishing may remember Percy with a donation to the A.O.H. Building Fund, 701 Kinyon Street, Elmira NY 14904.