Verna Elizabeth Keller

Verna Elizabeth Keller of Troy, and formerly of Detroit and Warren, died Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at her residence. She was born on October 3, 1926 in Detroit, the daughter of the late Elizabeth (Hosier) and Joseph Sell Sr. She was the beloved wife of the late Jerome (Jerry), and considered their marriage of more than 56 years one of her greatest blessings. Verna found great joy in her role as the mother of 10 loving children including Glenn (Martha), Gary (Peggy), Kristine (Ron) Knoth, Pauline (Jerry) Perez, Laura (Mark) Petrie, Theresa (Rick) MacFarlane, Gregory (Jenny), Tim (Karen), Brian (Gail), and Patrick (Janet). She was also blessed with 15 wonderful grandchildren including Aaron (Roseanna), Sharon (Christopher), the late Max Perez, Anna (Erik), Devon (Chris), Joanna (Geovanni), Stephanie (Chuck), Marissa (Gene), Evan (Annie), Jacqueline, Michael, Kaitlyn, Cassandra, Paul, and Brianna. And then there were nine beautiful great grandchildren including Brendan, Abby, Melanie, Hailey, Giovanni, Evan, Silvio, Will, and Drew. She had a strong faith in God and often remarked how grateful she was to have so many healthy and happy children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Verna cherished the relationships with her sisters Catherine (John) Miller, Bert (Bob)Stevens, and Jane (Pat) Trese as well as her younger brother Joseph (Peggy) Sell Jr. Outside of family, Verna found great joy and camaraderie with friends Clara Halatsis, and the late Jacqueline LaDuke and Peg Schultheis. To anyone who knew her, it was readily apparent that Verna's life was centered around her family, but she had a variety of interests and hobbies. She loved the yearly family picnics and family Christmas pageant, dancing with Jerry, handwritten cards and letters, a good mystery, putting together puzzles, the 20% JL Hudson employee discount paired with a good sale, Maurice salads and having lunch with the girls, ice cold Vernors, and all things chocolate. She enjoyed embroidery, quilting and needlepoint as well as baking. Her apple pies are legendary. It is good that she has been reunited with the love of her life and the source of all love and life. Visitation for Verna will be held on Saturday, April 2nd from 3-9 pm and Sunday from 2-9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile Rd) in Warren. A Scripture Service will be officiated at 7pm on Sunday at the funeral home. She will lie in state on Monday from 9:30am until the time of her Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at Assumption Grotto Catholic Church, 13770 Gratiot Avenue in Detroit. Officiating the Mass will be Rev. Fr. Eduard Perrone. Her Interment will be at Assumption Grotto Cemetery, where she will join her beloved Jerry. Following Mass, a luncheon will be hosted by the family at the Gazebo Banquet Hall, 31104 Mound Road (N.E. corner of 13 Mile Rd. & Mound Rd.) in Warren. Memorial donations are welcomed to the Society of St. Vincent De Paul, 3000 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit, MI 48207 or Angela Hospice. Please share memories of Verna at her guest book