Margaret "Peggy" Ellen Koch Keever

Margaret “Peggy” Ellen Koch Keevers passed away on Monday, May 12, 2014 in Biloxi at the age of 93, just two weeks shy of her 94th birthday. Peggy was born and raised in Hartford, CT, but lived most of her adult life in Springfield, MA. Peggy and her husband, Matthew C. Keevers, moved to Springfield not long after they married in 1939 when Matthew, an Indian Motorcycle racer, began working in the company’s advertising department. Matthew and Peggy raised their family in Springfield and stayed in Massachusetts until retiring south to Santee, SC in 1990. Following her husband’s death in 2003, Peggy moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to be with family. Peggy’s life centered on her family and friends, and she loved entertaining. Her family gatherings were legendary, and a sit-down dinner for 40 guests was not an unusual occurrence. She was an accomplished seamstress and a smart dresser, and carried herself with grace always. Peggy was active most of her life. She was a dance instructor before she married, and was still fox trotting into her 90s. She also loved golf and played regularly until the progression of Alzheimer’s disease made it too difficult. In addition to her husband of 63 years, Peggy is preceded in death by her parents, Oliver and Ellen (Ryan) Koch, along with her 3 brothers and 3 of her sisters. Peggy is survived by her son Richard M. Keevers and daughter-in-law Karen of Falmouth, MA and daughter Cheryl Keevers Handy and son-in-law Richard of Biloxi. She also leaves a sister, Patricia (James) Tyler of Westbrook, CT, granddaughter Susan Ellen Keevers of Yarmouth, MA, grandson Richard J. (Karen) Keevers of North Providence, RI, grandson Donald R. (Kym) Campfield of Exeter, NH and granddaughter Jamie Ellen Campfield (James) Bates of Gulfport, MS. Great-grandchildren are Michael Malenfant, RJ Malenfant, Gianna McCarthy, Julia Keevers, Alexa Keevers, Luke Pappas, Tea Pappas, Ella Campfield, Kylie Campfield, Matthew Campfield and James Keevers Bates. Peggy also leaves an extended family, nieces and nephews including beloved niece Bonnie (Donald) Pisati of Windsor Locks, CT. Special thanks to Dr. Charles Gruich and Angie Gruich of Biloxi and Melinda Smith and her staff at Lemoyne Place for their love and care over these past years. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Alzheimer’s research, or honoring Peggy’s memory by spending time with an elderly person or making a child feel special. A private burial will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery in Rocky Hill, CT. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements.