Marie Celine Keyes (aka Marie Mancha) – Born in Berkeley, CA on September 19th, 1930, to Joseph and Augustine Turturici, died peacefully Saturday morning, November 20th, 2010. Survivors: husband Bill (William Keyes) of San Martin, CA, who was her constant and attentive companion for whom she was very grateful; devoted sister Clara and her husband George Avilla of San Martin; daughter Susan Christie (h. John) of Beresford, SD, granddaughter Crystal Corbin of Watertown, SD; daughter Sharon Mancha Priem (h. Dan) of Kent, WA.
Treasured and beloved “Auntie” to over 45 cherished nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and great-grand-nieces. Preceded in death by grandson Nicholas Corbin.
Also survived by Bill’s son William L. Keyes (w. Dolores) of San Ramon, CA, their children and grandchildren, and daughter Kathleen Keyes Jaggi (h. Sanjay) of Campbell, CA.
From childhood, Marie was an avid reader, an interest she continued throughout her life, especially enjoying mysteries. At age 15, she was an usher at the conference in San Francisco for the establishment of the United Nations. A graduate at age 16 from St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in Berkeley, CA, where she excelled in her academic studies and was a choir soloist. She attended college in San Francisco for a year before entering Nurse’s Training at Providence Nursing College, in Oakland, CA where she graduated in 1951.
Marie’s career as a Registered Nurse spanned over 40 years, 25 of those years as a Night Supervisor at Wheeler/St. Louise Hospital in Gilroy. An enthusiastic traveler, Marie and her family lived in Athens, Greece during the 1960’s, and she continued her love of visiting foreign places – ultimately journeying to 5 continents, over 30 countries, and most of the 50 states including Alaska and Hawaii. For many of her adventures, she travelled with her close friend and fellow R.N. Kay Larkin of Yelm, WA.
A lifelong admirer of music and the arts, she was a season ticket holder for musical and live theater performances for over 50 years. She generously included her daughters, granddaughter, nieces, nephews and extended family on outings to movies, musical performances, nights on the town, Disneyland and much more. She was a formidable pinochle partner and an exceptional Jeopardy player.
Throughout Marie’s life she was an inspiration to those around her and touched more lives than we can ever know. We are forever grateful for the loving and caring generosity she always showed everyone.
A Memorial Mass, a celebration of Marie Celine’s life, will be held at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, 17400 Peak Ave., Morgan Hill, at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, December 4th, 2010. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the March of Dimes. Condolences/correspondence can be sent to the family at
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