Anna E Keys

Anna Elizabeth Keys of Pasadena Maryland died peacefully March 18th at her home after a day surrounded by family. 

She was born on June 21, 1941, the third child to the late Ernest English Sr and the late Ruth English (Harthausen) in Baltimore, Maryland. Anna was a loving sister to her late siblings Elizabeth (Betty) Daly, Ernest English Jr and Patricia (Pat) Mitchell.

After graduating from Edmondson High School in February 1961, she went to work at Montgomery Wards in Baltimore. In 1986 Anna began her 20 plus year career with UMBC in the library. Over the years Anna ordered books from all over the world for every department while sneaking in naps at her desk. Anna retired from UMBC at the end of 2007. She filled her retirement years attending sporting, cheerleading and dancing events for her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great greatgrandchildren. In addition, Anna spent many days at the Pasadena Senior Center attending exercise classes, trips and volunteering every Friday at the front desk. She also did bookkeeping for the center and was on many committees. While at home she was an avid reader of romance novels (including spicy ones), scrolled through Facebook, played solitaire and mahjong on her Nook, watched General Hospital and Korean dramas on Netflix.

As an active member of Emmanuel Luther Church in Pasadena, she volunteered preparing the alter for Sunday service. Always making sure the appropriate liturgical colors were displayed for the current season. She made many trips to Green Valley to order the bread and to Maher’s florist to pick up the flowers. She even laundered and ironed the service cloths. Anna was on the women’s guild and volunteered at the church’s food bank.

In 1963 Anna met the love of her life Howard E Keys. Anna and a friend met two handsome men at the bowling alley. To determine who would pursue who they drew straws. Anna drew the short straw which was Howard considering he was the short one. In 1965 they wed and remained married until his passing on July 23, 1997. In April 1967 they welcomed their first child Cynthia followed by Howard Jr in April 1975. Howard and Anna would move from Brooklyn Park, MD to Pasadena to raise their family after Howard was born.

Anna is survived by her son Howard Jr and her daughter-in-law Dawn, her daughter Cindy Getten and son-in-law Murray. Her grandchildren Keith (Lindsey), Brittney (Jessie), Christian (Trinity) and Nicholas (Anna-Lyn). Her great grandchildren Madison (Jaggar), Adam, Khloe and Savannah. Her great-great-granddaughters Adalyn and Eliana and many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family.

In her long life she was loved by many names whether you knew her as Anna, Mom, Grandmom, Grammy or Aunt Anna she always made sure you knew how much she loved you in return.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit at the family owned and operated MCCULLY POLYNIAK & COLLINS FUNERAL HOME, P.A. 3204 Mountain Road PASADENA on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 3:00 to 5:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Anna will lie-in-state in the Emmanual Lutheran Church 8615 Fort Smallwood Road PASADENA on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 11:00 am to 11:30 am. Funeral services will begin at the church at 11:30 am. Interment Meadowridge Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church 8615 Fort Smallwood Road Pasadena, Maryland 21122.