Mae Keyworth, a woman whose world revolved around family, may not have been one to boast about herself, but she could endlessly sing praises for her brothers, sisters, and grandchildren. In her eyes, her grandchildren were destined for greatness, perhaps even the presidency. Family was Mae’s constant – her first thought each morning and her last each night. Her mission was simple: to champion the happiness and dreams of every family member, encouraging them to pursue whatever brought them joy.
Mae’s deep connection to her Irish heritage was a lifelong constant. Her parents, David Patrick and Mary Josephine O’Connor, journeyed from County Cork, Ireland, to the United States, bringing with them the warmth, stories, and laughter that defined the O’Connor family. Detroit became their new home, where David O’Connor began working at Detroit Edison, and Mary dedicated herself to creating a welcoming home. On October 7, 1931, they welcomed their first daughter, Hannah Mary, affectionately known as Mae.
Growing up, Mae embraced both her Irish and American identities with pride. Her parents instilled in her and her six younger siblings a deep gratitude for the opportunities America offered. As the eldest, Mae set a strong example. She excelled in her studies, embracing the educational opportunities her parents valued. She also naturally took on a nurturing role, helping her younger sisters prepare for school and supporting her brothers in their activities, like football practice. Being the oldest was a responsibility she cherished, fostering close bonds with each of her siblings.
The O’Connor household thrived on camaraderie, a necessity in their close-knit home. A formative experience for Mae at age 13 was a trip to Ireland with her brother Jerry and their Uncle Jerome, a priest. Leaving their familiar home, they embarked on a journey across the Atlantic to experience the Ireland they had only heard about. Stepping onto Irish soil, Mae was captivated by the fresh air and the visit to her Grandpa O’Connor’s farm – a verdant paradise that remained etched in her memory.
St. Patrick’s Day held a special significance for Mae, a vivid reminder of her journey and her connection to Ireland. Family gatherings, always large and frequent, became increasingly important to her as she grew older. In 1948, Mae graduated from St. Stephen’s High School, looking forward to creating her own family in the future.
Years later, Mae married her beloved, Howard Keyworth, on October 6, 1951, at St. Joseph’s Church. While the wedding ceremony was flawless, the reception took an unexpected turn when Mae’s veil caught fire from a candle. Fortunately, she was unharmed. Soon after their wedding, Howard was deployed to Korea with the Army. Upon his return four years later, their family began to grow with the arrival of Michael Francis, followed by David Patrick, and Mary Eileen. Continuing her commitment to Catholic education, Mae ensured all her children attended Catholic schools.
Life in the Keyworth household was filled with joy and music. Mae, an avid music lover, frequently requested songs from her sons, with “Edelweiss” and “The Green Beret” being among her favorites. Interestingly, thunderstorms were also a unique source of excitement, albeit born from Mae’s fear. During storms, especially when Howard was working night shifts, Mae would gather her children, turn all the living room furniture upside down, and they would hide together, finding comfort and camaraderie amidst the thunder. This exemplified Mae’s caring nature, always there for her children, just as they were there for her. She wholeheartedly supported them, navigating school challenges and actively participating in their activities, including Cub Scouts.
Beyond being a devoted mother, Mae was a talented and adventurous cook. While her children weren’t always fans of her more experimental dishes, others certainly were. Mae spent many years working at the Fogcutter restaurant, where her culinary creativity flourished. She invented signature recipes like the Fogcutter Dressing and Fogcutter Pie, showcasing her passion for cooking. This passion extended beyond her kitchen, influencing her travels. In the 1970s, during their first family airplane trip to California, Mae was excited to explore Mexican cuisine. However, an unfortunate encounter with a hot pepper, mistaken for a carrot, put an abrupt end to her south-of-the-border culinary explorations.
In retirement, Mae delighted in her role as a grandmother. Seeing her grandchildren enjoying time with Howard, fishing or hunting, brought her immense joy. Her caring nature extended beyond her family; Mae was a dedicated volunteer at the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary and served on the hospital board, always eager to help others.
The year 2001 marked a significant milestone for Mae and Howard as they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a grand celebration at the Fogcutter restaurant. Family, friends, and colleagues gathered, sharing laughter and enjoying delicious food, a testament to their enduring love and relationships.
Mae’s strength was rooted in her family and her faith. Her deep love for God and the Blessed Mother Mary illuminated every aspect of her life. An Irish blessing held special meaning for Mae and her family:
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
Mae was a remarkable woman whose love touched many lives. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Mae passed away at the age of 74 on Tuesday, May 30th, 2006, at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during visitations on Friday, June 2nd, 2006, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Smith Family Funeral Home, Port Huron, Michigan. A funeral service to celebrate Mae’s life will be held on Saturday, June 3rd, 2006, at 11am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Port Huron, Michigan. Obituaries are also available through Smith Family Funeral Home – Port Huron.
