Carlotta Keyes, 96, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2012.  Although she was born in Delaware, she lived most of her lifetime in southern California.  She graduated from South Pasadena High School and UCLA.  She majored in Art and spent her lifetime appreciating the many cultural benefits of the area in which she lived.  She was active in the sorority Pi Beta Phi, making lifelong friends.

Carlotta married William Henry Keyes in 1941.  She became an art teacher, worked in early childhood education, and later became an elementary school teacher.  She loved swimming, visiting the area's many museums, attending plays and concerts, and playing bridge.  Her family and friends will remember her for her ability to see the bright side of any situation, maintaining a positive attitude until the end.  She was a nurturing, loving daughter, mother, and grandmother.  Carlotta was predeceased by her husband Bill in 1976, and spent years traveling to China, India, Europe, throughout the United States, and Mexico.  She loved seeing new things and learning about different cultures.

She is survived by three daughters; Carlotta Susan (Bill) Richardson of Pasadena, Kathleen (Tom) Cowles of Redding, and Linda (Ted) Kuiper of Bayside; grandchildren Kendall, Sean, and Poem Cowles; Carlotta and Chelsea Kuiper; and three great-granddaughters.  We will miss you Mom.  But we are comforted by the vision of you swimming out beyond the breakers!

Pasadena Star-News, November 13, 2012