Westminster, Maryland - Mary Irene (Determan) Keller, 86, of Westminster, passed away Dec. 26, at Copper Ridge Retirement Community, Sykesville, where she had been a resident for the last eight years.

Born Jan. 9, 1934, in Westernport, she was the daughter of the late John Bernard and Marguerite (Noon) Determan. She was the youngest of eight children and she was preceded in death by her brothers, John, Joe, Frank, George, and James; and her sisters, Marie (Angle) and Ann (Sister of Mercy, Juliena) Determan.

She is survived by her four sons and their spouses, Michael (Theresa) Keller, John (Paula) Keller, Emil (Marie) Keller, Tom (Julie) Keller; and eight grandchildren, Sarah, Joseph, Evan, Aaron, Jonathan, Andrew, Michael, and Emily Keller.

Irene was a graduate of St. Peters Catholic High School (1952). She was also a graduate of Mt. Saint Agnes College (1956), where she earned a degree in childhood education before teaching school in Suitland.

She married Emil Joseph Keller Jr. on April 4, 1959. After 13 years of marriage, she raised her four sons as a single parent, primarily in Rockville. She returned to the workforce as a paralegal secretary and substitute algebra teacher among other positions. She eventually moved to the Baltimore area in 1984 and worked for Westinghouse, now Northrop Grumman, as a logistics parts specialist. Irene moved to Westminster, yet finished the last 15 years of her career with Westinghouse. Irene battled Alzheimer's disease for many years and finished her life at Copper Ridge, where her good disposition and pliable nature were a delight to the staff.

Irene was a devoted follower and faithful servant of the Lord. A lifelong member of the church, she delighted in service and outreach. In Westminster, she was a faithful member of St. John Catholic Church, where she served in the local soup kitchen, St. Vincent DePaul Society, and Wisdom Club. She instilled Christian moral values in her family by living out her faith, the fruits of which can be seen in the lives of her sons and grandchildren. She loved being a grandmother and was excellent in her role as "Mom Mom," where she was always available to help. She was known for her delicious chocolate chip cookies and ruthless skills in the game of Sorry. She was also known for her good nature, infectious smile and telling a funny story. She had a love for music and an abiding fondness for all types of chocolate. Friends and family will be received at Pritts Funeral Home, 412 Washington Rd., Westminster, on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Social distancing measures will be followed.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated immediately following visitation at 1 p.m. at St. John Catholic Church, 43 Monroe St., Westminster. The Mass will be livestreamed and available on the church's website, www.sjwest.org. Interment will be in St. Peters Cemetery, Westernport, at a later date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund at Donate - Cure Alzheimer's Fund; or the St. John Catholic Church ministries at The Why and Ways of Giving - St. John Catholic Church, Westminster, (sjwest.org).

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.prittsfuneralhome.com.