Marie Louise Kehoe (Mayr) , 83, long time Garden City resident, passed away May 5 from cancer.  Daughter of German immigrants,  Marie spent her childhood in the  Yorkville neighborhood of Manhattan, where she later attended St. Jean’s High School. She remained extremely close with several of her classmates throughout her life, referring to many of them as her “sisters”. 

Marie played the zither as a young adult and even performed on TV, and was an active member of the Catholic Kolping Society.  After high school, Marie attended Katherine Gibbs Secretarial school. She met her (late) husband, John, while working as an ice cream parlor. Once married, John and Marie lived first in the Bronx, and then Laurelton, Queens. They moved to Garden City in 1969 where they grew their family. Marie worked as an executive secretary for several years at Newsday and enjoyed it very much, maintaining deep friendships with many of her colleagues for years after her retirement. 

She was very proud and active in her German heritage as well as her Irish heritage by marriage. Marie enjoyed camping with family, dinners with friends, reminiscing, the Garden City pool, Elvis music, reading, travel, and her daily 4pm glass of wine. Dancing the Lindy with John was always a highlight for her and they often garnered applause for their dancing. 

Marie is survived by her 3 children and their spouses: John and Teresa Kehoe of Montvale, NJ, Katherine and Bill Hall of Garden City, and Michael and Beth Kehoe of Mineola. One of her proudest accomplishments was being the doting grandmother to 5 grandchildren including 2 sets of twins, Julia and Delaney Hall, Aidan and Molly Kehoe , and Caroline Kehoe.  While Marie was an only child, she has several cousins, nieces and nephews whom she loves deeply. 

To know Marie is to have laughed with or to have shared a kind word, whether a family member, close friend or stranger. Those around her were drawn to her infectious and ebullient personality of humor and kindness.

Even when injured or ill, Marie was never angry, or depressed – she could find the silver lining to keep pushing forward in any situation. 

She was one of a select few who could actually rise to meet challenges with a smile.

She was a bright spark in this world and will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held at Fairchild & Sons Funeral Home, Thursday, June 2, 4-8pm and Friday, June 3 10am-1pm. It is a mask optional event. 

The family thanks friends, family, NYU Langone, The Bristal Garden City,  and Northwell Hospice for all the support, guidance, and love. 

In lieu of flower please consider a donation to a cancer charity of your choice.