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Eileen Bell Keeler, born April 19th, 1931, in Ford City, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully in Leesburg, Virginia on January 26th, 2025, surrounded by loving family.

Eileen was the daughter of Dessie, a one-room schoolteacher and Sharon, a wildcat oil driller who later worked in the local PPG glass factory. She and her brother Don were raised on the family farm, working in the gardens and chicken coops, and selling the produce and eggs along PA Highway 66. After high school, in 1949, Eileen married Edward and they spent a couple of decades traveling around the country and Europe as he pursued his military career and they raised three sons. They settled near Mount Vernon, Virginia in 1967, where Eileen went to work at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School as an aide and Edward completed his degree at the University of Maryland. After Edward passed away in 1998 Eileen began splitting her time between Pennsylvania and Ft. Myers FL, enjoying the time with her extended family and friends. She cherished collecting seashells at the beach with her longtime companion, Roy. Eileen spent her final years back in Virginia, close to her beloved family.

Eileen's generous, kind, and loving spirit touched everyone she met. As the family matriarch, she embodied boldness and adventure, always offering empathy, support, and love. Her warm hugs, strawberry jelly, nut horns, and Million Dollar Salad will be treasured memories.

Eileen was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Edward Keeler, and her brother, Donald Beck. She is survived by her sons: Craig A. Keeler and his wife, Barbara, of Kilmarnock, Virginia; Gary L. Keeler and his wife, April, of Leesburg, Virginia; and Brian E. Keeler and his wife, Vickie, of Mechanicsville, Virginia. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Eileen deeply valued family time, especially in  her favorite role as Grandma, cooking large dinners and hosting gatherings.

A visitation and celebration of Eileen's life will be held at Colonial Funeral Home on February 8, 2025, from 2-5 p.m., with a webcast beginning at 3 p.m. A private burial will take place later at Arlington National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with Edward. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to A Place to Be or another charity close to your heart. The family extends their gratitude to Heritage Hall of Leesburg and Present for You for their compassionate care during Eileen's final years. Hers was a long life, well-lived.