Barbara Keffer

Monson-Barbara A. Keffer, 86, died Saturday, March 1, 2014. Beloved mother of George Keffer and his wife Susan of New Market, MD, Thomas Keffer and his wife Lois Morrison-Keffer of Los Gatos, CA and Betsy Sisson and her husband John of Needham, MA. Loving grandmother of Jared, Rachel and Rebecca. She also leaves a niece, Nina Barnes of New York City. Barbara was the daughter of the late Barbara (Boggs) Strettle and Amos V. Pearsall of New York. She was also predeceased by a brother William Regal, also of New York.

Barbara attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY and then Albright College in Reading, PA. She received a Masters Degree from SUNY New Paltz, NY. Barbara taught school first in Massapequa, NY and then spent most of her career teaching Math and Physics at Monson Jr. Sr. High School.

She was always interested in theatre and dance and was involved in both High School and Community Dramatics. Barbara was the founder of Monson Summer Theatre. She was a founding member of the Monson Arts Council, serving as its President for a time, and was its Treasurer for 15 years. She acted in, directed and produced many productions for the Arts Council. Her favorite role was in Nunsense. She choreographed 14 musicals for the school and town.

Barbara spent many years as a tutor and literary advocate assisting adult students pass the GED. She served on the Vestry for St. Mary's Episcopal Church of Palmer, MA, was Treasurer of the Keep Homestead, was involved with the Friends of the Library, the Monson Historical Society, Monson Heritage Committee and the Monson Cultural Council. Barbara's many years of service were recognized when she was elected the Monson Rotary's Citizen of the year for 2008. In December of this year the Monson Selectman, the State Senate and the State House of Representatives all honored Barbara's many years of service in the community.

A memorial service will be held in the Spring in the First Church of Monson, Congregational where she was a member. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Monson Arts Council, PO Box 306, Monson, MA 01057.