Obituary of Helen Mary Ritzco Keefe

Helen Mary Ritzco Keefe, 93, of Chapin, SC, passed peacefully from this life on October 11, 2021, in the company of her husband of 73 years, Joseph Edward Keefe. The decline in her health due to advanced age had been noticeable over the past several months, and all three of her children had visited her within days of her death, as had many of her grandchildren and her great-grandchild.

Helen was born on August 19, 1928, to Andrew Ritzco and Julia Newfrock Ritzco in Archbald, PA. The love of her life, Joseph, lived 7 miles away in Carbondale, PA. The couple married on June 19, 1948. Together, they lived in Pennsylvania, Missouri, Maine, Connecticut, Florida and South Carolina.

Helen and Joseph had 3 children. In addition to taking care of her husband and children, Helen also took care of her father, Andrew, for many years after the death of her mother, Julia. After Joseph’s retirement from the insurance industry, Helen and Joseph worked together for several years selling dolls and collectibles. “Together” is how they did almost everything going forward from that point in their lives. In the early retirement years, they enjoyed travelling, especially to doll shows and casinos. In the later years, they enjoyed grocery shopping trips to Publix and having nice lunches at their favorite restaurants. For all the years, they loved their children, their grandchildren and watching tennis and Atlanta Braves baseball.

Helen was predeceased by her parents and by her siblings John, Joseph and Margaret.

Helen is survived by her husband Joseph, by her three children, by her 8 grandchildren, and by her one great-grandchild.

Helen’s son Joseph Keefe and his wife Rida Keefe are the parents of Maxwell Keefe and Scarlett Keefe.

Helen’s daughter Kathleen Keefe Erickson and her husband Paul Erickson are the parents of Ryan Erickson, Alexandra Erickson, Ashley Erickson and Gunnar Erickson.

Helen’s daughter Kimberley Keefe Moliski is the mother of Joanne Moliski and Mary Moliski.

Helen’s grandson Ryan Erickson and his wife Brittany Hale Erickson are the parents of Noah Erickson.

Helen’s funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Chapin, SC.

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.southcarolinacremation.com