Sigrid "Sig" Keyes

THOMASTON - Sigrid Cline Keyes, 83, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 16, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, hard work, and unwavering devotion to her family and community.
Born January 17, 1943, in Belfast, Sigrid was the daughter of Phyllis Doyle Kaler and Clarence Cline. She spent part of her early childhood in Rockland before moving to Thomaston as a young girl. Although her early years brought challenges, Sigrid developed the strength, determination, and resilience that would define the woman she became.
She loved Thomaston, its history, its people, and the unique character of the town she called home. For more than half a century, Sigrid faithfully served Thomaston and its children as a school crossing guard, traffic officer, and school custodian with SAD 50 (later RSU 13). To generations of students, parents, and residents, she was simply "the crosswalk lady." Whether helping children safely cross on their way to and from school, or caring for the school building, Sigrid approached every responsibility with the same quiet dedication, warmth, and professionalism. She greeted children by name, watched over them with genuine care, and made every child feel seen, safe, and valued. Inside the school, she cared for the building with the same pride and dedication she brought to everything she did. Her extraordinary work ethic, compassion, and steadfast commitment earned the admiration of students, parents, teachers, staff, and neighbors alike.
Through thousands of ordinary moments over more than fifty years, Sigrid became woven into the fabric of both the school community and the town she loved. In 2024, the Town of Thomaston honored Sigrid by naming her Grand Marshal of the Thomaston Fourth of July Parade.
Sigrid was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harlan Francis Keyes, who passed away in 1972. After losing her husband, Sigrid faced life's challenges with remarkable courage, determination, and grace. She was also preceded by her sister, Susie Allen, in 2024.She is survived by her brothers, Walter Leroy Kaler and Gregory Michael Kaler. She leaves behind three children, Michael Keyes and his wife Patricia, Ilene Keyes Heeber, Mary Keyes Smith and her husband Paul; her grandchildren, Michael's children: Cody Benjamin Keyes and his wife Celeste, Rachael Moira Perfetta and her husband Zachary, Hannah Paige Keyes; Ilene's children: Dylan Michael Chickosky, Adrienne Chickosky, Logan James Snyder, Talon Henry Snyder and his wife Courtney; Mary's: daughter Brandi Smith Helstrom and her husband Jenner; her great-grandchildren, Summer Kimberly Stevenson, Theodore Michael Stevenson, Moxie Mae Chaves, and Everly Jean Chaves, Francis Henry Snyder, and Harlan Francis Helstrom, as well as six additional great-grandchildren.
Nothing brought Sigrid greater joy than her family. She celebrated every milestone, welcomed every new generation with pride, and found happiness simply being surrounded by those she loved. Her greatest legacy lives on through the generations who will continue to carry her values of kindness, perseverance, hard work, and unconditional love.
Sigrid woke up everyday determined to be the best person she could be. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, generous heart, and unwavering devotion to others. Whether helping a child safely cross the street, keeping the school welcoming for students, or offering encouragement to a neighbor, she quietly made the world a better place.
Family and friends are invited to visit from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., Friday, July 31, 2026 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, where a celebration of her life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Interment will follow at the Thomaston Village Cemetery.
One of her favorite sayings was: "The town that went to sea, lives in the heart of me." Today, the people of Thomaston can answer "Sigrid Keyes lives in the heart of us all."
Please share memories or condolences with Sigrid's family, here on their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.2d:{"dateTime":"2026