Mrs. Alice Eleanora Keefer

Alice Eleanora Keefer, 73 of Orlando, Florida was called home by our heavenly Father on March 4, 2014 with her family at her side. Although she had suffered a prolonged struggle with congestive heart failure, her passing was mercifully peaceful. Alice was born April 30, 1940 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late John Henry Vernon Grove and Lillie Mae Grove. She had two brothers and one sister. Alice graduated from Parkville High School in 1958. Following graduation, she married Allen Keefer and moved to Orlando, Florida where they raised their four children. In 1970 she joined CNA Insurance Company. Alice and Allen were divorced in 1978. Alice was forced into early retirement in 1995 due to her health concerns. Alice enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, sewing, embroidery, baking, decorating and collecting salt and pepper shakers. She never allowed her illness to slow her down from being active and supportive in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Her passion was in providing for her family especially her grandchildren, great grandsons and even her family’s pets. She found pleasure in traveling and visiting with her family. She was always creating special presents whether it was holiday pillows and place settings, bibs for ailing family members, Halloween costumes or dog blankets. She enjoyed baking for others including the local police and fire departments. Alice was kept especially busy being “Grandma’s Taxi / Babysitting Service” supervising her grandchildren or driving them to practices, sporting events, religious instruction classes and even physical therapy. Alice loved decorating her home for the holidays. She even had a special doll decorative set that changed monthly with each holiday and season. Alice was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Robert Grove. She is survived by her brother John E. Grove and sister Patricia Bluxstein, sons Thomas Keefer of San Antonio, TX and Donald Keefer of Orlando, FL and her daughters Diana Smith of Longwood, Florida and Deborah Zurek of Lake City, FL. Grandchildren: Heather Keefer, Donald Keefer, Sarah Keefer, Stephen Zurek, Gregory Zurek, Brooks Keefer, Kirsten Smith, David Smith, Amanda Keefer, Tina Keefer, and Great Grandsons, Hayden Keefer and Trent Keefer. A private family viewing will be held March 10, 2014 at 10 am at DeGusipe Funeral Home, Maitland Florida, followed by an open memorial service at 11 am. Graveside service will be performed at Glen Haven Cemetery, Winter Park at 12:30. Arrangements have been entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory 9001 N. Orlando Ave. Maitland, Florida 32751 (407) 695-CARE (2273).

Mrs. Alice Eleanora Keefer

April 30, 1940 - March 4, 2014