Dolores Antoinette Keesler, 86, of Damascus, PA passed away Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at her home with her granddaughter by her side.

Born June 4, 1939 in Manhattan, NY, to the late Dionisi Anthony and Rose Eliesa (Schindhelm) Tedesco.         

Dolores attended William Patterson University for her bachelor’s degree in education, and later received a Masters Degree from Marywood University.  She began teaching kindergarten at Jeffersonville - Youngsville Central School in 1962 and after taking a few years off to start a family she went back to teaching in 1975 for the Wayne Highlands School District as an elementary teacher, teaching 3rd and 4th grade for most of her career there.

Dolores was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Sullivan 5 Star Chapter No. 298, and was active with the Red Hat Society in Sullivan County as well as the Callicoon United Methodist Women. She had a boating license and was a Captain in the Storm King Power Squadron. She also belonged to the Cornwall Yacht Club for several years and had a love for the water that she shared with her granddaughter, Brianna, who was always in tow on the boat.

Dolores enjoyed gardening and smelling the flowers along the way. Two of her greatest joys were her Japanese garden and her giant Saucer Magnolia that bloomed in abundance without fail every spring. After retirement Dolores didn’t waste any time satisfying her travel bug. She was all over the U.S. and Europe. Her only regret was not spending as much time in Asia as she’d have liked. Dolores held season passes to the Forestburgh Playhouse which she found great joy in attending for many years. Every August she looked forward to getting together in Williamsburg, VA with her children and grandchildren.

Surviving are three children, Kirk Keesler (Michelle) of Prairieville, LA, Kory Keesler, of Damascus, and Kristal Whitmore (Mark) of Damascus; grandchildren, Jesse Keesler, Brianna Whitmore, Bowan Whitmore, Kellan Keesler, and Amelia Keesler. Dolores’s love for teaching and children led her to have an open door for any of her children’s friends. Welcoming them to stay at her home. Many did just that and stayed in touch with her throughout the years. Two of which are Randy Berrian and Shawn Davis who she always treated as if they were her own children.

Dolores was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Margaret Tedesco, as well as James R. Keesler, the father of their children.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Damascus Manor Church, 1720 Cochecton Turnpike, Damascus, PA with Pastor Megan Wessman officiating. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Damascus Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps, PO Box 63, Damascus, PA 18415; Riverside United Methodist Church, PO Box 235, Callicoon, NY 12723; Damascus Manor Church, 1720 Cochecton Turnpike, Damascus, PA 18415; or the Christ Community Church of Abrahamsville, 623 Callicoon Rd, Damascus, PA 18415.