Armida E. Keyes

Armida “Meda” E. Keyes passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, in the Hunterdon Care Center, Raritan Township, NJ.

Born in Colombia on the picturesque island of Cartagena in the Caribbean Sea, Meda was the daughter of the late Generoso and Dolores “Lola” (Rojas) Leal. She grew up in Colombia, one of thirteen children.

She was a graduate of the National University of Colombia, School of Nurses. She was awarded a Kellogg Foundation Fellowship and came to the United States in 1958 to pursue further education in Psychiatric Nursing at the University of Maryland. She went on to practice nursing at the University of Michigan, eventually earning her master’s degree. The family then moved to New Jersey where she became Supervisor of Nurses at UMDNJ – Piscataway, NJ. She was supervisor of the Adult Unit for twenty-five years and was Nurse of the Year in 1993, prior to her retirement.

Meda was a longtime communicant of The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Somerville, NJ, where she taught CCD for eight years, sang in the choir, and was treasurer of the Rosary Altar Society for two terms. In addition, she also volunteered at Somerset Medical Center’s hospice program. She also enjoyed playing bridge, dancing, writing poetry, and singing. In fact, she always said, “I love to sing for the Lord.” Above all, she loved the sea and would walk endlessly on the beach.

Surviving are her two sons, Philip (Deborah) Keyes, and Scott Keyes; grandchildren, Robert (Samantha) Keyes, Daniel (Rebecca) Keyes, and Brian Keyes; great-grandchildren: Olivia, Clara, Robbie Jr., William, Julian, and Madelyn; her sisters, Aida and Gladys; as well as several other siblings and relatives in Colombia.

A visitation will take place on Monday, May 15, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 PM in the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial, officiated by Fr. James DeFillipps, will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at St. Magdalen Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ. The public is asked to arrive at the church no later than 9:45 AM. Cremation will follow privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Meda’s name may be made to The Church of the Immaculate Conception, 35 Mountain Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876 or to Saint Magdalen De Pazzi Roman Catholic Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit her Tribute Wall at www.holcombefisher.com.