Florence A Keese

Florence A. Keese, 88, of Saranac, NY, passed away on Monday August 8, 2022 at the
Elderwood of Uihlein at Lake Placid. She was born in Standish, NY on May 13, 1934 the
daughter of George and Evelyn (Rabideau) Parnell.

Florence was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. Always drawn to helping others, whether it be putting on a benefit, raising/donating money to those in need and a second mother to many. She received guidance through prayer and shared it with the world. For twenty plus years she worked as a therapy aid at Rockland State Psychiatric Center in Orangeburg, New York. Throughout her career she received many recognition awards. Florence “wore many hats” at work and always went above and beyond her job duties. Florence enjoyed being surrounded by family and lit up every room. She cherished the time spent with her children and grandchildren. Florence was a kind soul and loved unconditionally. She was a strong, talented, empathetic, generous, organized, religious and courageous woman. She will be missed tremendously by many.

Florence was passionate about country music and began singing at a young age with her sister Lou at local radio stations. Their stage name was “The Thompson Sisters” and they were described as having “undeniable sister harmonies”. Florence and her husband Whitey Keese had several bands including the famous Green Mountain Boys and Coldbrook Ramblers. She was band manager as well as vocals, yodeling, rhythm and slide guitar. The band put on several benefits for people in need. Eventually they decided that friends, family, and neighbors needed a space where they could get together for no charge to enjoy country music, camping and connect with others. They created their own annual music festival called “Whitey and Flo’s Campout” which they organized and promoted on their own.

Florence is survived by her sister Lou Bornstein, daughter Wanda, and son in law, John McIntyre, daughter in law Beverly Keese, grandchildren Jesse Keese, Tracy Keese and husband Brian Fisher, Breanna McIntyre and companion Benjamin McDougal, Nicole McIntyre and fiancé Aaryn Goldstein, great grandchildren Matthew DuBray, Jacob Brady and Farrah Goldstein.

She is predeceased by her husband John Keese SR, son, John Keese JR, brothers, Charlie Lobdell, George Parnell, Robert Lobdell, Phillip Parnell, sisters, Shirley Rasco and Irene Budwick.

There will be no public calling hours. Graveside services will be on Wednesday, August 17th, at
1:00 pm at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery on Alderbrook Road in Vermontville, NY.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901.
Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com