She was tireless in her commitment to students. She never lost sight of what was important. She was the portrait of grace, integrity, respect. She was mentor to many. She encouraged and challenged us to find the common purpose that binds us together not the small details that make us different. She truly believed that mistakes helped a person to grow.

These were among the warm and heartfelt thoughts and remembrances colleagues, friends and students shared with several hundred people who gathered in Burridge Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon to celebrate the life of Mary Keyes.

Attendees included Keyes' father, Charles, and members of her immediate family, as well as friends and colleagues who knew Keyes for many years, including Canadian astronaut Roberta Bondar.

“There are thousands of faces on this campus: students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, neighbourhood children here for sports camp. For many of us, getting to know more than a handful of the people who make up McMaster can be difficult. It wasn't difficult for Mary. She knew everyone,” said Acting President Peter Sutherland of Keyes, who headed student affairs at McMaster for the last 10 years. “Whether it was working with student leaders, the students she taught, coached and counseled, her staff, the faculty or administrative colleagues, Mary took the time to get to know as individuals the people with whom she worked. They, in turn, had tremendous respect for her as a mentor and friend.”

Her contributions are immeasurable, he added. “She tirelessly worked to ensure that student concerns and interests were at every table. Her counsel and input helped shape the University into an institution that is stronger and more compassionate. That legacy will not be forgotten.”

For MSU president Sam Minniti, Keyes was an unsung hero. “Dr. Mary Keyes was a role model of leadership, always fostering respect for diversity. She encouraged fairness, open communication, and speedy resolutions. These are the qualities of good leaders.” He announced that a new joint student leadership certificate program between the Centre for Student Development and the McMaster Students Union will honour Keyes.

Cathie Miller, director of housing services, spoke of Keyes' many gifts. These included kindness, fairness, honesty. “Her legacy of integrity, care and compassion will live on in the many people she has touched. Every person in our field owes much to Mary. Every woman in our field has stood on her shoulders and seen farther because of her vision and effort.”

Family friend Michelle Bates' words about Keyes' battle with leukemia provided much comfort. “Mary's family wants (you) all to know she had no regrets. She was living life fully with friends and family.”

Keyes' death on Feb. 11 at the age of 61 came just six months before she was to retire from McMaster after 38 years of service.

In addition to the oral reflections, Keyes' was honoured by singers Pam Overy and Pat Gowen (Bookstore) and musicians Doug Collins (Physical Plant), Lois Freeman-Collins and Michael Brooks. Revs. Carol Wood (Chaplaincy Centre) and Brian Donst gave the welcome and meditation addresses. Eva Bodrozic, Keyes' administrative assistant, lit a candle at the beginning of the service to honour Keyes' life.

For the complete text of written tributes to Mary Keyes, click below.

Mary Keyes' legacy: An institution that is stronger and more compassionate (Peter Sutherland)

Remembering an unsung hero and a champion of many causes (Sam Minniti)

A tribute to Mary Keyes from Student Affairs (Cathie Miller)

(Note: The eulogy given by Michelle Bates is presently unavailable.)