Virginia M. Keller

Virginia (Vincenza) Keller, beautiful and lovingly known as Jean, 91 years old, was born on April 8,1927, to Donato and Josephine Cannizzaro in West Allis Wisconsin. She was led home by Jesus Christ her savior in Loveland, on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019, with her loved ones at her side, holding her hands and accompanying her with prayers. Her loving father Donato died when she was little and her mother remarried to a wonderful man, Cosmo Bongiorno. She grew up in Wisconsin where she then met and married her husband, LaVerne (Vern) Keller, June 26, 1948. They celebrated 52 years of loving marriage together before his passing in 2004, she never stopped loving him and continued to share their love.

In 1953, they moved to Boulder and opened a coffee shop, Keller's Cafe. Upon selling that they acquired the historical Arnett Hotel building, where they had a much-loved restaurant and lounge, Keller's Inn. Upon early retirement they then moved to Loveland. She was preceded in death by her husband LaVerne (Vern) Keller, parents Donato and Josephine Cannizzaro, Cosmo Bongiorno, and her sister Frances Schultz and brother Jack Bongiorno. She is survived by her daughters Michele Crowell (Gregory) and Jeanne Lenort (Roger), grandchildren Teddy Crowell (Katie), Josanna Crowell, R.J. Lenort (Hayley), Mike Lenort, Audrey Lorenz, Ashley Lenort, great grandchildren Benny and Jace Ehrlich, Avery and Wyatt Lenort. She's also survived by her cousin Angie Thoenes, who she grew up with like a sister. Along with many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She brought joy beyond measure to those around her with lots of humor and laughter. The company of grams was warm welcoming where everyone felt at home. It was often described as a bright shining light of love. She was quite adventurous in her younger years and loved to travel with Vern. Especially to Vegas. She also enjoyed Black Hawk to "win big!" and eat crab. Virginia found "having fun" in everything there ever was to do. She liked to help make Italian cookies and eating deserts was a must! She is very well remembered for always being very generous. Christmas was a favorite. She loved getting the family together, reminding us to always take care of each-other. Always giving above and beyond measure. She especially loved giving the great grandkids lollipop suckers and dollars. She sure did love collecting elephants and watching The Andy Griffith Show!

Some favorite sayings were "don't buy anything unless you have a coupon," "it's a great world if we don't weaken," and "It's hell to get old." When saying goodbye, she'd kiss you, wave at you and say "have fun! Take Care of each-other, and have a good life!"Her conversation would end with "goodnight dolly," "see you later, until we meet again" and "love you more!"

...No, we love you more!