Violet R. Keller

Violet Rita Keller, longtime resident of East Aurora, died on September 6, 2026. She was 85.

If you have lived in East Aurora in the last 50 years, you were familiar with Violet Keller, even if you didn’t know her name. She was the petite, spry woman you saw walking briskly all around the village, often pulling her shopping cart, sharing smiles and a sincere greeting with friends and strangers alike. A tireless walker and a welcome sight to villagers, she must have traveled more miles on foot than anyone in town and at a lively pace. Over a long working career that lasted well past any conventional retirement age, she cleaned for many, many families, endearing herself to them. Her circle of friends spread throughout the village as is evidenced by the number of people who have expressed sadness at her passing and recalled enjoyable moments with her.

Details of Ms. Keller’s early years are not entirely clear. “We know she suffered many indignities as a young person,” said her longtime friend, Pam Miliotto. “We know she was born in Buffalo to the late Violet Thompson Keller, spent some time on a farm and in various foster care situations.” At one point she lived in Newark, New York, in a state facility before moving to East Aurora as a young adult at the recommendation of a relative. “That changed her life,” said Miliotto. She lived in a group home on Center Street and, for a time, at the former Emerson House on Prospect Avenue, where women who worked as domestics were housed. Some 50 years ago, she moved to a Main Street apartment owned by the late George and Vi Janofsky, where she became beloved by tenants and landlords alike.

With several units in the building, Ms. Keller assumed the role of de facto property manager and den mother, seeing to the order of common spaces, decorating for holidays, making sure her fellow tenants were comfortable. “She became like my big sister,” said a 10-year tenant. She gardened enthusiastically around the building, tended to the porch and kept the grounds clean.

As she gave of her kindness and friendship, she inspired others to return that friendship. The tenants at her building became family. The Janofskys cared for her, especially as she aged, making regular visits and helping her with the demands of 21st century life. Mrs. Miliotto, a retired social worker, became her close friend and took her shopping and on outings. “I was always amazed at how many people we ran into that she knew.” Leslie Wade, Vi Janofsky’s daughter, and her family included her in holiday gatherings. Nancy and Steve Stoll shared many good times with her and shared the photo that accompanies this remembrance, taken at their home. So many others will tell you the same.

As Mrs. Miliotto said, “She was sent down from Heaven to touch and enrich all of us who were lucky enough to know her.” Indeed, the community is diminished by the loss of one of its mainstays, such a unique character, beloved by so many.

Friends may gather at Wood’s Funeral Home on Friday, September 18, from 10-12 with a celebration of life at noon at the funeral home. Ms. Keller asked that memorial gifts go to the Erie County SPCA, 300 Harlem Road, West Seneca, N.Y. 14224 (yourspca.org) or The Buffalo Zoo, 300 Parkside Ave., Buffalo, N.Y. 14214 (buffalozoo.org).