Virginia M. Keyes

ATHOL - Virginia May Keyes, age 98, died Saturday, February 18, 2017 at The Highlands. Virginia was born September 17, 1918 in Athol. She is the daughter of the late Ralph H. and the late Mildred F. (Newton) Sedgwick. She lived in Athol most of her life also living in the Tully section of Orange for several years. She graduated from Orange High School in 1935. Virginia was employed as a LPN at Athol Memorial Hospital until her retirement in 1978. She began working at the hospital as an aide in 1954 taking training to become an LPN and worked there for a total of 24 years. She previously worked for L.S. Starrett Company for 12 years. She was a member of Starrett Memorial Unites Methodist Church. She enjoyed going to Maine on family vacations which the family did for 58 years. She also enjoyed skiing for many years until the age of 65. Many of her ski trips were with seven of her fellow nurses from the hospital. She is survived by one daughter: Sharon L. Besarkarski and her husband James of Lunenburg. She is predeceased by her husband, Russell Keyes and her cousin, Myrtha Gale. The family would like to thank the staff and nurses at The Highlands and at Applewood Home for Elders. A graveside service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Athol Memorial Hospital, 2033 Main Street, Athol, MA 01331. To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol.