V. Hope Keister

December 1, 1926 – August 6, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Hope Keister, who passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, at the age of 98 surrounded by family and friends.

Hope was born on December 1, 1926, in Lock Haven, PA, to Paul ‘Fibber’ and Margaret ‘Molly’ Ludwig McGhee.  A cherished member of the Hackettstown community for over 70 years, she was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend – not only to her immediate family, but also to countless multi-generational family friends, whom she welcomed to call her ‘Hopie’, ‘MeMe,’or ‘GiGi.’

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Hope is survived by her daughter, Linda Keister McClune (Great Meadows, NJ), sister, Gayle Glenn (Jacksonville, NC), grandchildren, Ryan McClune (wife, Heidi; San Diego, CA) and Ashley McClune Cousineau (husband, Matthew; Lebanon, NJ), and the most important joys in her life, her great-grandchildren, Quinlan, Hope, and Violet.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Schuyler Keister, son-in-law, Patrick McClune, her parents, five of her sisters and a brother.

Hope grew up in Lock Haven, PA, alongside her six sisters (Harriet, Dorothy, Gereldine, Peggy, Gayle, and Opal) and it was there that she met her husband, Charles Schuyler.  They welcomed their daughter, Linda, in 1950, and in 1959, the family moved to Hackettstown when Charles became Principal of Hackettstown High School—planting the roots that would make Hackettstown their home for generations to come.

While in Lock Haven, Hope worked as a beautician, and after relocating to Hackettstown, she held positions at Dr. Edward Minier’s medical practice and with the Hackettstown Answering Service.  Hope was a dedicated volunteer, serving as a Girl Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, homeroom parent, and operator for the Warren County crisis line.  She was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church since 1959, contributing in many different roles over the years.  She also devoted much of her time to the Hackettstown Historical Society, and in 2012, was honored with induction into the Warren County Senior Hall of Fame.

In her spare time, Hope enjoyed playing tennis, skiing, and, most of all, spending time with her family.  She lived and breathed for her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, cherishing their active presence in her life.  The love and closeness she shared with her family were a constant source of happiness and a key to her remarkable longevity.

A celebration of life will be scheduled and announced at a future date.  The family will be privately celebrating her memory together in her favorite vacation spot, Ocean City, NJ, a family tradition for over 75 years.

​In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church Vacation Bible School Program in her memory.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Colonial Manor at Panther Valley for their dedicated care and support during Hope’s final years.  We are also deeply grateful to the Trinity Church community, whose steadfast support—rooted in the values and traditions instilled by Pastor Frank Fowler—has meant so much to us.  The many visits, prayers, and acts of kindness from friends and church members have been a true comfort, and we are forever thankful.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. For those wishing to leave online condolences for the family, please visit, www.cochranfuneral.com

CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR HOPE KEISTER

Saturday November 8, 2025

SERVICE

• 10:30 AM
• Trinity United Methodist Church
• 213 Main Street; Hackettstown, NJ 07840

RECEPTION

• Approximately 12:00 Noon (Immediately following the service)
• Independence Township Volunteer Fire Department
• 24 Cemetery Road; Great Meadows, NJ 07838
• RSVP: lkmcclune@gmail.com

Please join us for a Celebration of Life in the Trinity Sanctuary, followed by a reception at the Independence Township Firehouse to eat and enjoy live music as we remember Hopie’s vibrant spirit and her love of dancing.  Guests are encouraged to wear pink, her favorite color.  Let’s come together to remember Hopie and a life filled with joy and love.  If you plan to attend the celebration at the Firehouse, please RSVP so we can ensure there is plenty of food, beverages, and seating for everyone.

NOTE:  For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed on the TUMC Facebook page (Facebook.com/TrinityCatchTheSpirit). You are welcome to join us virtually from anywhere. The recording will also be available on the page after the service for anyone who wishes to watch at a later time.