POUGHKEEPSIE – Mildred C. "Millie" Keyes, 90, an area resident most of her life, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2024, at Hospice House in Hyde Park.

Millie was born on Staten Island on April 12, 1933, to Joseph A. Hurd and Lillian E. (Maguire) Hurd. She married Richard J. Keyes on February 12, 1953. She was predeceased by her husband in 1994 and her brother, Joseph C. Hurd, in 2004. She is survived by her son, Richard J. Keyes, Jr.; her grandsons, William E. Keyes and Brian P. Keyes; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Besides being employed by many local retailers over the years, singing was Millie's passion practically all her life. Her first gig was singing on the Staten Island ferry. She began formal vocal training under Broadway performer Shirley Tiernan Judd and, in high school, joined the Hendrick Hudsonaires, an elite a cappella group based in Montrose, NY. Following this, she performed at local venues, weddings, and in minstrel shows. While working and raising a family, Millie performed regularly at the Peekskill Yacht Club. She was also able to sing while traveling, performing in Canada, on the trans-Atlantic steamship S.S. France, and in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

After retiring to Delaware, Millie joined the Cape Seashore Singers and the Sea Siders, performing for the governor and frequently getting solo features. When she returned to Poughkeepsie, she rejoined the Mid-Hudson Valley IBM Club Chorus, and later, the Rhinebeck Choral Club. As a member of "Millie and the Moochers", which also included her son and grandsons, she appeared at local coffeehouses. Millie made several recordings, including "Billy Visits the Farm," a listening and learning cassette for children, and "Swingin' on a Clear Day," with keyboardist Robert Puleo. She was the vocalist and manager for The Dukes & Dutchess Swing Ensemble for many years, performing at local dances, senior centers, and other venues throughout the Hudson Valley.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 23, from 2-4pm at McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation (https://www.hvhospice.org/donate-now/#Donate).