Obituary of Wanda J Keller
Wanda Jo Keller (Hartman), age 90, of Hackensack NJ passed away peacefully on June 14, 2024. She was predeceased by her parents Luther and Ethel Hartman, brother Guy and sister Dora. Wanda is survived by her husband Lloyd, daughter and son-in-law Wendy and Scott Tuhy, her grandchildren Jason Tuhy, Brian Tuhy and his wife Emily, sister Gladys Abshire and numerous nieces and nephews.
Born in Marmet WV, Wanda's life changed when her sister Gladys brought a young man she had met at a carnival home; Wanda married that young man, Lloyd to whom she was married for almost 69 years. They moved to New Jersey in 1963 and stayed the rest of their lives, but Wanda never lost her southern drawl. Wanda spent over 30 years working as an aide and secretary in the Hackensack school system and after retirement she continued to volunteer in the Hackensack Middle School library. Over the years many former students would recognize her on the street or at the mall and greet her with a big hug and fond memories.
Wanda enjoyed many hobbies in life. Not only was she an assistant in the library but also a voracious reader, with frequent trips to the Maywood library to pick up new books each week. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren, whom she spoiled by anticipating their every whim on their frequent sleepovers. A highlight of every day was her evening calls with her sister Gladys. She later added travel, living and traveling throughout Australia for a few years while her children lived there. Wanda is also survived by her great-grand dogs Cheeto and Tippy, with whom she surreptitiously shared her morning breakfast.
A celebration of Wanda's life will be held at G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Home, 397 Union Street, Hackensack NJ on Tuesday, June 18th from 4-8pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Wanda's memory to the Maywood Public Library, 469 Maywood Avenue, Maywood NJ 07607.