Joan F. Keyser

Joan F. Keyser

PROCTOR—Joan F. Keyser, 74, died at her home April 17, 2002.

She was born in White Plains, N.Y., Jan. 20, 1928, the daughter of Arthur and Caroline Friedgen.

She graduated from Scarsdale (N.Y.) High School, and later graduated from Tufts University in 1950, as one of two women in the engineering school, with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering.

Over a period of 30 years, she worked as a statistician at the Tufts Dental School in Boston, Mass., in the bridge design section of the Vermont Highway Department in Montpelier, and as a project engineer with the Callahan Ams Can Machinery division of the Vermont Marble Company in Proctor.

She married F. Ray Keyser, Jr., on July 15, 1950, and served as first lady during her husband's term as Governor of Vermont.

She received her pin for 20 years of service as volunteer at the Rutland Regional Medical Center and was a member of Proctor Pittsford Country Club for 35 years, serving on, and as Chair of the women's Sports Committee. She designed and made quilts for each of her children, among others, was a dedicated gardener and enjoyed knitting sweaters for her children and grandchildren.

She was particularly fond of fly fishing for Atlantic Salmon in Quebec with her husband on the St. Paul River for over 20 years. She was a member of the Union Church in Proctor and the United Church, Lady Washington Chapter of the Eastern Star and Chelsea Fish & Game Club in Chelsea.

Survivors include her husband of Proctor; a daughter, Carol E. Fjeld, and her husband, George C. Fjeld, MD of Brandon; two sons, Christopher S. Keyser and his partner, Jane Kosmider, of Rutland and Frank Ray Keyser, III, and his wife,k Pamela C. Keyser of Colchester and nine grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents.

A funeral service was held at the Union Church in Proctor Saturday, April 20, and later that afternoon family and friends gathered for a graveside service at the Highland Cemetery in Chelsea. The Rev. Russell Gates of the Union Church in Proctor officiated. Son, Chris Keyser, read a passage from the book "The Red Tent," and daughter, Carol Fjeld, spoke about her mother's life and read a poem entitled "Mother" written by granddaughter Kayly Fjeld. George Fjeld, a son-in-law, talked about her fishing adventures and read "A Fishing Prayer." Fellowship was held at the United Church in Chelsea, hosted by the church women.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Union Church in Proctor, or the United Church of Chelsea, P.O. Box 98, Chelsea, Vermont. Local arrangements were under the direction of the Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea.

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