Garnet L. Keyser's Obituary
Garnet L. Keyser, 84, passed away peacefully with her children by her side on July 12, 2025, at her home in St. Petersburg, Florida. She was born on September 22, 1940, in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, to Robert and Pauline Shumar.
Garnet devoted her life to serving others with compassion and grace. In Maryland, she worked as a teacher’s aide in a Head Start program, where she played an important role in nurturing young minds during their formative years. Her dedication to early childhood education reflected her deep care for the well-being of others. After moving to Florida, she continued her commitment to community service as an assistant property manager. In this role, she provided steady guidance and heartfelt support to residents who came to deeply appreciate her presence.
She is lovingly remembered by her children Jody (Joe) Shwallon, Peter Keyser, and Audra Keyser; grandchildren Ryan, Wade, Jaimie, Alexandra, Tara, Kori, Kylee and Jacob; numerous great-grandchildren; sisters Edna Basham and Sandra Meade of Maryland; and several nieces and nephews that adored her.
Garnet was preceded in death by her husbands Richard F. Keyser and Raymond Domke; sons Robert Paul Keyser and Richard Nelson Keyser; stepsons Russ Domke, Ray Domke and Frank Domke; and brothers Robert Edward Shumar and William Nelson Shumar.
Those who knew Garnet will remember her as a nurturing soul with a kind heart and joyful spirit. She expressed love through cooking—often preparing meals for family and friends or even inviting her doctors over for a home-cooked dish. Her laughter was infectious, punctuated by a signature “snort” that made everyone laugh even harder. Her smile was as beautiful as she was both inside and out.
Even though she endured profound personal loss and faced the challenges of dementia later in life, Garnet remained resilient and loving. Her strength continues to inspire all who were fortunate to know her.
May her legacy bring comfort and strength to all who knew and loved her.
A graveside service will be held Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 10:30 AM in Memorial Park Cemetery, 5750 49th St. N., St. Petersburg, Florida 33709, lead by Pastor Celeste Biandudi, with music by Natalie
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