Margaret Mary Keelty

Margaret Keelty (née Mead) passed away at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at the age of 79. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Margaret was the daughter of Louise Mead (née King) and John Mead of North Arlington, NJ. She graduated from Queen of Peace High School and Caldwell University, and considered her most important roles to be mother and grandmother (Nana), though she also found great joy in volunteer service, including her many years as recreation coordinator at Welkind Rehabilitation Hospital in Chester, NJ and as a literacy tutor in both North Arlington and Toms River. Margaret retired early from Panasonic Corporation so she could care for her sister Rose, and later worked for Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. She has been a parishioner of Saint Maximilian Kolbe Church since she moved to Toms River in the early 2000s.

An avid singer, Margaret was a member of Sweet Adelines International where she competed as a baritone in both her local New Jersey chapter and with Razzmatazz, her former barber shop quartet. Margaret also loved to play piano, and she shared her love of music with her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, always teaching them songs and playing along for family sing-alongs. She will be remembered for her love of family and her generosity with her time and energy, her kindness, her selflessness, and her beautiful spirit.

Margaret is survived by her children, Chris Cahill, Kathleen Keelty, and Richard Keelty; grandchildren, Madeline and Leah Humphrey, Keara and McKenzie Keelty, and Liam and Aidan Cahill; siblings, Louise, Mary, Clare, Patrick, and James; as well as her many nieces and nephews.

Margaret was predeceased by her parents, Louise and John Mead, and siblings Jane, Rose, John, and Joseph.

A mass for Margaret will be held at Saint Maximilian Kolbe, 130 St. Maximilian Lane, Toms River, NJ 08757 on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 12:00 pm. A repast will follow at 1:30pm at Italy's Best Ristorante Italiano, Lakehurst Circle Center, Route 70 (732-657-1666). In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Margaret’s name to the Scleroderma Research Foundation.