Obituary of Constance Elizabeth Keyes

Constance Elizabeth (Meldrum) Keyes went to be with our Heavenly Father on Sunday, December 3, 2023. She was 94 years old and was fondly known as “Aunt Carmie”, as her favorite brother, Sonny (William), named her Carmelita. She hated that name and changed it to Constance when she turned 16. 

Connie was born in Bay City MI to parents Laura (Grant) and David Meldrum on August 23, 1929. She had 2 brothers and 5 sisters and is the last of her generation. Connie was married to Jess D Keyes Sr. in May 1951 at St Joseph Catholic Church. He predeceased her in August of 1972. 

Connie leaves her children, Jess (Sue) Keyes, Tim (Ann) Keyes, and Dawn (Larry) Bublitz; 10 Grandchildren: Sarah (Corey) Hightower, Ross Keyes, Scott (Katie) Keyes, Shelly Keyes (Gordon), Patti (Jeff) Powers, Brette (Rob) McPhee, Kena (Marc) Krenzke, Stacie Bublitz (Jamie), Trevor (Rachel) Keyes, and Taylor Keyes, (mother, Debra Keyes); 24 Great Grandchildren, Owen & Dylan Hightower, Everett, Harper, Fletcher and Hadley Keyes, Latasia Keyes (RJ Burgett), Aleya Keyes, Elijah Keyes-Jasso, Wyatt & Caydence Powers, Devin, Aryssa & Madison McPhee, Kylee Long, Colton and Brooklyn Purigraski, Shae Bublitz (Olivia Vermeesch), Seaira (James) Hine, Serenity & Levi Wieszciencinski, and Avery Rogers; 6 great-great-grandchildren, Athena & Theo Bublitz, Waylon and Bodie Hine, Cambria Keyes, & brother Claudio (in production).  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

Connie always told you exactly what was on her mind. She never pulled any punches-said just what she was thinking She loved to play cards, work crossword puzzles and loved to read. When she was younger, her father, David, would take her to the theater to see the movie stars from the 30’s and 40’s. That began her love of movie stars and she had many books on numerous actors. Her favorite male actor was Tyrone Powers and claimed him as her boyfriend until the end. While grocery shopping, the “Star” and “Enquirer” magazines were must purchase items. 

Connie was a selfless and loving mother. She thought of her children before herself.   She instilled honesty, patience, and respect in her family and gave each child a sense of self-worth that would carry them into their adult lives. 

Connie has lived at the Close to Home Assisted Living on E.North Union in Bay City. She loved living there, and especially the food. It would be nothing to see Connie roaming around the facility either with her walker or in her wheelchair, and you would have to run behind her because she only always knew one speed: fast! The staff there would call Connie “their fashionista”, as she would change her clothes numerous times a day. She would also leave a trail of used Kleenex behind her, tucked here and there. Many special thanks to the hard-working girls that gave Connie so much attention. You were always sincerely appreciated. Also, many thanks to The Home Care Health & Hospice team, your visits always uplifted her spirits and gave the family peace of mind.  

Connie was greeted home by her husband Jess; her son, Dennis; brothers; sisters, and her in-laws. She quickly ran into her Mom and Dad’s arms (missed them terribly with her dementia). A special thanks to her son, Tim, who so patiently took care of Mom for the last 23 years. 

Cremation has taken place per Connie’s wishes. No visitation planned. A private ceremony will be held in the future, and she will be laid to rest in Floral Gardens. 

“Please do not cry because I am gone. Instead, be happy I was here. I am free now, happy, and playing cards with the ones I’ve missed so much. I loved you.” To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.

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