Carmella M. Keyes

Carmella M. (Palaio) Keyes, 94, of Worcester, passed away on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at UMass Hospital in Worcester.  Her beloved husband of forty-six years, Willard E. Keyes, predeceased her in 1993.   Carmella is survived by her loving family including a daughter, Theresa F. Morin and her husband David of Worcester; two sons, William F. Keyes and his wife Joanne of Erie, PA, and Richard A. Keyes of Worcester; three sisters, Theresa Johnson, Mary Prunier, and Ann Carson, all of Worcester; five grandchildren; three great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by three grandchildren, Matthew Keyes, Richard Keyes, Jr., and Katie Keyes; and was also preceded in death by a brother and two sisters, Gus Palaio, Rose Kolosky, and Marion Jerszyk.  She was born in Worcester, daughter of the late, Francesco and Concetta (Fulginiti) Palaio, and lived here for many years, before moving to Millbury and Grafton, returning to Worcester in 1994.   She worked as a house keeper for many years at New England Telephone Company, before retiring.  She was a member of Saint Stephen’s Church, and enjoyed knitting and crocheting.  She enjoyed being involved with many activities at Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation.  Her greatest joy was time with her family.  She had wonderful times going to dinner with her sisters, baking and traveling with her husband.   Calling Hours for Carmella will be on Tuesday, March 27, in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, from 9 am to 10:30 am, before departing in procession for an 11 am Funeral Mass in Saint Joan of Arc Church, 570 Lincoln Street, Worcester.  Interment, beside her husband, will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, North Grafton.   In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Activity Fund at Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation, 300 Barber Ave., Worcester, MA 01606 or to The Epilepsy Foundation, 8301 Professional Place, Suite 200, Landover, MD 20785.