Mary Ellen Card, 88, a resident of Watertown, New York, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on May 14, 2026.

She was born on June 18, 1937, in Harrisburg, New York, to Edward and Daisy (Northrup) Moody.

Mary attended Lowville Academy. Following her graduation in 1954, she worked as a factory worker at Beaverite and Climax until 1958. In 1956, she married Bernard Keefer. Together, they moved to Evans Mills where they owned and operated a dairy farm. Their marriage ended in divorce.

Mary then moved to Watertown and was employed at the House of Good Samaritan for three years in the laundry service department. In 1980, she began working at Mercy Hospital in dietary, where she actively participated in the Meals on Wheels program, helping those in need and dedicating her skills until 1988.

Mary is survived by her loving family. She leaves behind two sons: Randal (Dawn) Keefer of Dexter and Rodney (Donna) Keefer of Calcium, as well as three daughters: Sherry (Jeffery) Hutter of Calcium, Julie Hovey of Dexter, and Tammy (Scott) Pooler of Adams Center.

Mary was a cherished grandmother of eleven grandchildren who brought immense joy to her life: Miranda Keefer, Randal Keefer Jr., Karissa Besaw; Erin Yancey, Dillon Hutter; Megan Hopkins, Erica Hovey; Tyler Keefer, Jackson Keefer; Hailey Pooler, and Carter Pooler.

She was also blessed with eleven great-grandchildren who added unlimited laughter and love to her life: Henry Klages; Cameron and Carley Keefer; Lucas Besaw; Violet Yancey; Evelyn, Addison, Payton and Morgan Hopkins; and Emma and Alyssa Boyea who all held a special place in her heart.

Mary is also survived by her siblings: Barbara Cobb, Raymond (Sandy) Moody, Joan (John) Lorow, and John (Linda) Moody, as well as a sister-in-law, Nora Moody, who were important parts of her life as well.

Besides her parents, Mary is predeceased by her three brothers, David, Ernest, and Harold Moody, who she missed immensely, along with her loving son-in-law, Timothy Hovey.

Mary was a proud member of the Watertown American Legion Post 61. She loved crocheting, crafting, gambling, and watching her grandchildren. You could always count on her to say yes to an ice-cold drink or a glass of wine and to let you know if you were being too loud while The Young and the Restless was on. Later in life, Mary loved spending time with her family doing things such as putting puzzles together, playing games, watching Syracuse basketball, and cheering on the New York Yankees (specifically Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger). Additionally, she could be found playing cards and bingo with her friends at Centennial Apartments several nights a week. She always loved bragging when she got to bring home the pot of money.

She had several titles as her family continued to grow throughout her life: Mom, Ma, Grandma, and Pa-Pa. Her most beloved title in recent years was Gigi, as all of her great-grandchildren referred to her as such. She loved nothing more than being surrounded by their perfectly chaotic love. The hugs and kisses from all of her loved ones were some of her most treasured moments.

There will never be another person who can replace our amazing, beautiful, and wonderful Mom, Ma, Grandma, Pa-Pa, and Gigi. She will forever live on through the love in our hearts and her memory will always guide us.

In accordance with Mary’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held on June 15, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Glenwood Cemetery in Watertown. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Italian American Club, located at 192 Bellew Ave S., Watertown, New York. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather, share their memories and celebrate the life of Mary.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels online at watertownurbanmission.org/donate or in person at the Watertown Urban Mission. Donations can be designated specifically for Meals on Wheels. Online condolences can be made at www.hartandbrucefh.com.