Obituary of Margaret M. Keyes

Wife, mother, sister, and friend – Margaret Mary (Meg) Keyes (58) of Niskayuna, NY – passed away September 29, 2021 after a tough and fearless battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Joseph (Joe) Skufca, children Danielle and Evan Skufca, mother Peggy (Morgan) Keyes, siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. She is preceded in death by her father Larry Keyes and beloved grandmother Theresa Keyes. Born on April 2, 1963, Meg grew up in Crestwood, NY. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Government, and History from the University at Buffalo in 1985. Looking to maximize the impact she could make in her community, Meg earned her law degree from Albany Law School in 1988. In 1991, Meg married her beloved husband, partner, and trusted confidant Joe Skufca. For over 30 years, Meg and Joe savored life together. They brought out the best in each other and delighted in the other's happiness, laughter, and love. Even so, Meg’s greatest delights were the moments she spent with her children, Danielle and Evan. From teaching them to bake to learning skiing techniques from them, Meg reveled in sharing thoughts, ideas, learning, and especially love with them both. Meg shared her curiosity, adventurous spirit, and love for life through travel, scuba, food, photography, and more. She enjoyed planning amazing family vacations, which always included something new or unique, and savored exploring life with her family. In her professional life, Meg’s hard work, integrity, and dedication were instrumental in the many successes she earned and enjoyed. Her career as an attorney and business executive was marked by her graceful and honest leadership. Meg was a mentor to many of her peers throughout her career. Among her friends and colleagues, Meg's laughter, joy, and passion were contagious. Whether at a black-tie affair or watching a sunset on a quiet beach, Meg always seemed at ease; happy to make genuine connections with the people around her. Those fortunate enough to share a few steps of her life’s journey were embraced and appreciated. A visitation will take place on Wednesday October 6, 2021 from 5 to 7 pm at Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union St, Schenectady, NY. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Memory of Margaret Keyes to support Dr. Nancy Lin’s Breast Cancer Brain Metastases Research Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P. O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.