Obituary of Kathleen Keyes

Kathleen Keyes 77 of East Haven passed away August 9 2021 at Apple Rehab in Old Saybrook. She was born February 25, 1944 in New Haven to Thomas and Irene (Gange) Keyes. Kathleen is survived by her daughter, Aimee Hayner of Old Saybrook and two grandchildren, Norah Slocombe and Maxwell Slocombe. She is also survived by her brother, Thomas Keyes Jr. (Nancy) of Higganum and her former husband, John Hayner of Chester. Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Kevin Keyes. Kathleen touched many lives with her vivacious and adventurous spirit and her faith. Her semi-nomadic lifestyle allowed for her to know people from all walks of life and share her gifts with all who crossed her path. Kathy, armed with her guitar and beautiful voice, was so often found sharing music around living rooms with friends, at family gatherings, on small stages or sitting criss-cross on the floor for the lucky children she cared for. After graduating from Springfield College, Kathleen worked as a rehab counselor for several years, a residential director at the ABC House, but her most memorable profession was without question the countless years she spent as a loving and charismatic nanny - which earned her the esteemed title of Kamu. Kathy was whimsical, creative, sassy, brilliant and funny. She dearly loved her parents and brothers, her daughter and grandchildren, her nieces and nephews, her piles and piles of cousins, her friends who were really more like family. And we all loved her back. To the moon and back. A graveside service will be held at a future date in East Lawn Cemetery, 58 River Street, East Haven. Funeral services are under the care of the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven.