Login | Staff | Feedback | Customer Service | RSS | Advertise | Subscriber Services
customer service

HomeOpinion & EditorialEditorials

Editorial: Community loses dynamo of sunshine and good will


STORY TOOLS
Share on Facebook

She was a pillar of the community and the face of the Chamber of Commerce in Naples for many years.

At one time she was everywhere — every public event, every special occasion. Now she is in our hearts as we pause with sadness to note the passing of Judy Keller, 61.

She was jovial, a friend to all. She also was a keen businesswoman in radio and cable sales. Her list of civic causes — ranging from beach renourishment to downtown Naples redevelopment to 4H — personifies the notion that if you have a big job that needs to be done, give it to someone who already has too much to do.

And then she raised the bar even higher.

She spearheaded the annual farm-city barbecues that bring together members of the Immokalee and coastal Collier County communities.

In 1995, she became the top executive of the then-Naples Area Chamber of Commerce, where today’s president, Michael Reagen, pays homage to her as a “beloved business community icon” and a “true powerhouse.” She went on to serve on the board of the Bonita Springs chamber from 2000 to 2004.

Judy Keller cast tall shadows. She also could light up a room, spreading sunshine wherever she went.

She made a difference, for the better. We will miss her.

Our condolences to her family, of which she made so many feel a part.

Comments

This site does not necessarily agree with comments posted below. Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. Break our rules, and we will ban you. No exceptions, no second chances. Read our privacy policy & user agreement.


adios,amigo; caio,bella; bye,friend.

#1 Posted by letsroil on August 18, 2008 at 7:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dear Editor,

Rarely in one's life does a person enter which personifies the words "True Friend; Great Person; Joyous Personality; Dynamic Individual; and Classy Lady". Judy Keller was all of that and more. Having known her, and her husband Bill for over 39 years, I can attest to the fact that if you have ever been fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her, you most certainly will remember her. Her effervesent personality made you realize you had just made a new friend. She had thousands of friends, and if she were to be with us still, she would have amassed thousands more. The world has lost a truly great person. The Naples community and the state of Ohio (and the rest of the world) became a little darker on August 14, 2008, but Heaven grew much brighter. We will miss her, but will always carry her memory with us.

David Day
Findlay, Oh.

#2 Posted by DLDay on August 27, 2008 at 8:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)



Post your comment
(Requires free registration.)

Username:

Password:
(Forgotten your password?)

Your Turn:


Clear

Currently: 48 °

Sunny
Hi: 69° | Low: 50° | Humidity: 86%
Wind: NE at 4 mph
More weather » | Tide Charts »
Email the Governor

Love it, hate it, think the state should wait? Governor Charlie Crist has been getting an earful about the plan to lease Alligator Alley. Now's your turn. Tell the Governor how you feel! »

Swimsuit Edition 2008

It’s with great pleasure that we introduce Swimsuit 2008, our third annual swimwear edition. We take pride in the fact that all models involved are from right here in our community. This is where they live, work and play. Check it out! »

NIE Cruise Contest

Newspapers in Education provides newspapers, lessons, Web site activities and links for local schools and homes. Donate newspapers to kids and earn a chance at a four-night cruise for two in the Caribbean! »

    Since March 6, coyotes have been fingered in a string of attacks against dogs, cats and goats in Lee and Collier counties. Coyotes have killed three small dogs, injured three others, and caused a man who came into contact with the coyote’s saliva and a woman who was bitten by one to have rabies shots.