Alyce McLoughlin Keaveney

Alyce McLoughlin Keaveney passed away on July 9, 2026 in Durham, North Carolina, surrounded by her loving family. Alyce was born and raised in New Hartford, New York, where her soulmate, Vincent Keaveney, jaywalked into her life while she was a 5th grade crossing guard. She was the kind of person who made Vince want to pick up extra after school shifts at the grocery store to pay for her ticket to the school dance. They married straight out of college and spent 63 years of marriage exploring the Adirondacks and the beaches of Florida, instilling curiosity and a love of nature into their three daughters, and inspiring anyone who knew them with their devotion to one another. They shared an epic love story that continues beyond her death.

Alyce is survived by her beloved Vince, their daughters Katherine Keaveney, Eileen Keaveney, and Jean Keaveney Huta, and their sons-in-law David Keaveney and Russell Huta. Her legacy of unmatched kindness, connection to the natural world, passion for learning, deep faith, and inner courage shine brightly in her grandchildren Kiera Reynolds; Gabriel, Aidan and Caleb Keaveney; and Jenevieve and Andrew Huta. She was the matriarch of the remarkable extended McLoughlin family, anchored now by her sisters Jean McLoughlin and Ann Cohan.

Alyce was an explorer with intense, wide-reaching curiosity. She earned a degree in biology from the College of Saint Rose and devoted her career to sharing her curiosity with young people as a science teacher in the New Hartford Central School District and with budding teachers at Utica College. She was a photographer who used her lens to show us all the beauty she saw in the world. Above all else, Alyce was a friend. Just a month ago, she had a hot-dog lunch with her 99-year-old neighbor, and a playdate with her 3-year-old friend. That was Alyce. There was rarely a day that she did not have cards to send or have a few people drop in to visit. Even in her final days, the incredible staff of the Hock Family Pavilion commented on how rapidly she became a friend to them. Quintessential Alyce, right up to the last moment.

The number of people with memories of her that bring a smile is a testament to her impact on those around her. Vince, Kathy, Eileen, Jean, her grandchildren, and each of you will undoubtedly feel as if the colors of the world are a bit duller now. Mom/Grandma/Alyce would want us to care for each other and find peace in knowing that she was incredibly grateful for her rich and wonderful life, proud to have known and loved those who she follows and those she leaves behind, and ready to explore the great beyond.

Funeral service to be held Wed July 15, 2026, 11 am, at Holy Infant Catholic Church 5000 Southpark Drive Durham NC 27713.

In lieu of flowers, consider honoring Alyce’s love of the natural world with a donation to Nationalparks.org.

The Keaveney Family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences- www.hallwynne.com - Select obituaries.