Mary I. Keyes, age 77, of Mineral Point, passed away peacefully Friday, September 4, 2026, at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI surrounded by her family.She was born on June 5, 1949, in Madison, WI to Joseph and Ann (Walsh) Kneeland. She was raised in Mineral Point, WI and graduated from Mineral Point High School in 1967. Mary then enrolled at Columbia University in New York City for her initial year of college. In 1972, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a Degree in Education. She was then an educator for a 33 year tenure at multiple schools. Starting in 1972, she taught at Merrill Elementary School in Beloit, WI. This was followed by a tenure at St. Augustans in Cudahy, WI from 1978-1981 during her husband’s Law School enrollment. Her family then relocated back to Mineral Point in 1981 and shortly thereafter she started working at Mineral Point High School. Her longest tenure was for 20 years at St. Joseph Catholic School in Dodgeville, WI teaching hundreds of local youth. She loved children and being a teacher. Her dedication to education was felt by all of her pupils, as well as her own children. The relationships she developed with her students, parents, and fellow educators led to several life long bonds and friendships. It gave her great pride when her students achieved high accomplishments in their own lives. Mary will always be remembered for her commitment and generosity to her family and friends. She was a warm, kind, funny and gracious woman. Deeply rooted in her faith and the power of prayer and forgiveness. Those who knew her well, will never forget her dry sense of humor and greeting everyone with a hug and kiss. Gatherings with her children and grandchildren gave her the greatest joy. She was proud of them all.

Mary was a loving and dedicated wife to her husband Dean for 54 years. They shared a special bond that started in their youth. Their love for each other and their family was an excellent example for all who knew them. Through that union, they were blessed with 6 children. She is survived by her husband Dean; children: Michael, Brian (Tierney), Ann Marie (John Scott), Joseph (Jennifer), Meghan (Gregory Lundberg) and Maureen (Jon Esp); Thirteen grandchildren: Ian, Aidan, Brennan, Madison, McKenzie, Murphy, Griffin, Lulu, Lola, Flip, Oliver, Grant, and Lauren; Her brothers: Mick (Patricia), Jack (Roxanne), Patrick (Sue), Peter, and Kevin; and sister Jane (David Shoemaker). She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Ann Kneeland, and In-Laws John and Connie Keyes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Ss. Mary & Paul Catholic Church in Mineral Point.  Fr Alex Carmel will officiate.  Burial will be in St. Paul's Cemetery.  A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM and on Friday from 9:30 until 10:50 AM all at the church.

 The family would like to extend a special thank you to Agrace Hospice and Palliative Care staff, numerous physicians and nurses that impacted her life. As well as her close friendships with Kari Bennett, Linda Murphy, and Melissa Waters. We all greatly appreciate your assistance and friendship.