Anne R Keast

Anne Reddy Keast of Springfield, Virginia, passed into her Lord’s heavenly embrace on March 22, 2023. She was lovingly surrounded by her sons Christopher (Mary), Michael, Matthew (Renee), Paul (Margaret), Kevin, and John (Virginia), and her grandchildren Katherine, Elizabeth, Megan, Tiernan, Emily, Patrick, Grace, Rory, Anna Kate, Lauren, Keara, Bridget Daniel, and Dawn (Steve). She was preceded in death by her husband Paul, twin sister Kathleen, and daughter-in-law Nazzi (Michael). Anne leaves a legacy like few others through a lifetime of faithful service and dedication to her church, family, schools, organizations, and community. Anne Marie Reddy was born on June 23, 1933, in New York City, and adopted by her parents Thomas and Catherine Reddy, of Long Island. She graduated from the College of St. Elizabeth in 1955, with a degree in social work. On October 6, 1956, she married Paul Hugh Keast, embarking on her public service as the spouse of a U.S. Navy officer, including periods when Paul was leading a Cuban Missile Crisis task force, and later deployed to Vietnam. After duty stations in Hawaii, Maryland and Germany, the family settled in Springfield, Virginia in 1965. Ever-focused on her six sons, Anne was active in and served as PTA/PTO president at the elementary, middle, and high schools her sons attended. Somehow, she also found time to serve as her civic association president, active volunteer in her church, regular substitute teacher, librarian, At-Large representative to the Fairfax Water Authority, and Member of the Virginia Board of Social Work. At the same time, she was ferrying her sons to countless sporting events and other engagements. All the while, she seemed to magically never miss a game, wrestling match, or other performance for her sons. Anne was also well known in Virginia and national political circles. She served as the Chairman of the 8th and 11th Republican Congressional District Committees for 20 years, the Virginia Republican Party State Central Committee, President and active member of the Monticello Republican Women’s Club. In 1996, she was the Republican Presidential Elector from the 11th District of Virginia, earning her the title of The Honorable. Anne helped pioneer grass roots campaign training in Northern Virginia that can still be felt today. She has been honored for her lifetime of countless contributions, by the Republican Party of Virginia, the Virginia Young Republicans, and was honored by former Gov. Jim Gilmore as the 2001 recipient of the Patrick Henry Award. A devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Michael Catholic Church in Annandale, Virginia for 57 years, she volunteered in numerous capacities. She attended daily mass, was the volunteer coordinator for the parish perpetual adoration, and assisted the Pastor with tabulating weekly offerings. Anne was a mentor, confidant, and friend to many. Her empathy and compassion were her hallmarks and were always offered freely and without judgement. Her greatest joy was her family. She passed in peace knowing they were all with her. Funeral arrangements are being coordinated by Demaine Funeral Home in Springfield, Virginia. Her life will be celebrated at a funeral Mass on Thursday, March 30, at St. Michael Church, Annandale, Virginia at 10 am. Visitation will be at Demaine on Wednesday, March 29, from 6-8 pm. Donations in lieu of flowers may sent to: Sacred Heart Southern Missions, 6050 Highway 161, Walls, Mississippi 38686 Paralyzed Veterans Administration, 1875 Eye Street, NW, Suite 1100, Washington DC. 20006