Emily Ann (Keeler) Ludwig

Emily Ann "Oppie" Ludwig (Emily Ann Keeler), 87, died peacefully in Binghamton on December 14, 2018, after a long illness. She was born in Binghamton on December 4, 1931, to her remarkable parents, Esther Montgomery Keeler and C. Addison Keeler, Sr. She is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Dr. James M. Ludwig, Jr.; brother John M. Keeler; three sons, James M. Ludwig, III, Jonathan K. Ludwig, and Peter D. Ludwig; seven grandchildren, Peter, David, Addison, Genevieve, Daniel, Annie, and Max Ludwig; two great-grandchildren, Maya and Nathaniel Ludwig; and several nieces and nephews. Also grieving with us is her longtime friend of 82 years, Kathleen (Hardy) Hartley. Oppie, as she was known to one and all in her wide circle of friends and family, was so nicknamed by her older brother C. Addison "Addy" Keeler, Jr. (now deceased), when she was an infant, and she quickly corrected anyone who tried to call her anything else. She attended Hood College and the Cornell University College of Nursing. While at nursing school in New York City, she was introduced by a friend to a fellow Binghamtonian, Cornell medical student James M Ludwig, Jr., whom she married in 1952. The young couple had their three sons during their whirlwind tour in the U.S. Army - at stations in Washington, D.C, Waltham, Mass., San Antonio Texas, Frankfurt, Germany, and Ayer, Mass. - after which they returned to Binghamton (in 1962), where they enjoyed their long and wonderful life together. Oppie was known for her steadfast character and unforgettably funny and generous personality. She loved spending time with family and friends, and was an avid and accomplished devotee of duplicate bridge. She was proud to be appointed by the Governor to the Board of Visitors of the Binghamton Psychiatric Center, on which she served for many years. She also took part in numerous charitable activities over the years, including the Junior League, United Way, St, Mary's soup kitchen, and Meals on Wheels. Oppie was a stalwart member of the First Presbyterian (now United Presbyterian) Church throughout her life; she served for decades as a deacon, and was also elected Clerk of Session. Memorial services will be held at United Presbyterian Church at 42 Chenango Street on Saturday, December 22, 2018, with calling hours starting at 10 a.m., a service at 11 a.m., and reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Oppie's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association , Central New York Chapter, 441 W. Kirkpatrick Street, Syracuse, NY 13204.

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