12/05/2025
In Loving Memory
Kathleen “Katie” Keil
August 10, 1942 – December 3, 2025
CAMDEN, NY – Kathleen “Katie” Mulvaney Keil, 83, of Camden, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, with her loving family by her side..
Katie was born in Florence, NY, to Helen and Joseph Mulvaney. She married the love of her life, Karl R. Keil Sr., on November 21, 1959. They shared 62 years of devotion, partnership, and hard work until Karl’s passing in September 2012.
Katie and Karl worked side by side throughout their entire life together. While they were both employed at Harden Furniture, they also operated a 110-head polled Hereford beef farm, which they ran together with their son, Karl Jr. They also shared a love of traveling together, creating memories everywhere from weekend getaways to family trips that became treasured stories for years to come.
In 1986, Katie and Karl purchased the former Black Lantern restaurant and transformed it into the beloved local landmark Katie and Karl’s Restaurant. Katie’s family-style cooking became its signature—comforting, homemade meals prepared with love, consistency, and pride. Her soups of the day were a lunchtime favorite for countless loyal customers.
For 27 years, Katie, Karl, and their daughter Karen hosted weddings, school banquets, Mother’s Day and Easter buffets, Christmas company parties, weekly Rotary and Lions Club meetings, Firemen’s banquets, and many other community and family events. Katie also became a mentor to the many teenagers who worked in the restaurant, teaching them teamwork, responsibility, hard work, and the joy of laughter.
Though she took great pride in her cooking and in serving the community, Katie often said her greatest blessing was working beside her husband, Karl—at Harden, on the farm, in the restaurant, and in their travels.
She was predeceased by her husband, Karl R. Keil Sr.; five siblings: Gladys Baker, Mary Baker, Joe Mulvaney, Walt Mulvaney, and Lawrence Stevens; and two nieces.
Katie is survived by her children, Karl (Judith) Keil Jr. and Karen (Jerry) Allen; her grandchildren, Megan, Jacob, and Hannah; her great-granddaughter, Jasmine; her brother, Ed Mulvaney; her sister, Helen Finch; and many nieces and nephews.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Roswell Cancer Institute for six years of compassionate care and support.
A Private Funeral Service will be provided by Pastor Jason Proctor. Katie will be laid to rest beside her husband, Karl, in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of LaRobardiere Funeral Home, 109 Main Street, Camden, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Camden United Methodist Church in Katie’s memory.
Please share memories and condolences at https://www.larobardierefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Kathleen-Keil?obId=46576865