Keira L. Thurheimer

   Keira L. Thurheimer, 59, Adams Center passed away Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Samaritan Medical Center, after a courageous battle with kidney disease.

   Keira was born in Watertown July 23, 1966, the daughter of Dean H. and Patricia J. (Kendall) Thurheimer. She was a 1984 graduate of South Jefferson Central School District, received her teaching degree from The College of St. Rose, Albany, and her masters degree in education from Potsdam State.

    Keira left a lasting impact on generations of students and families as a special education teacher at Case Middle School, in the Watertown City School District, for 37 years before retiring in June of this year. Her extensive knowledge and advice were valued and sought after by peers, administrators, and the families she worked with. She was a mentor to many teachers who looked to her for wisdom and guidance. She pioneered an innovative reading program that benefitted hundreds of students over the years. 

    Keira was awarded a Golden Apple Award for Teaching Excellence, and was an active participant in many education groups, including the district technology committee, BOCES assistive technology committee, the committee for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and the Case Sunshine Committee. She advocated for students and staff throughout her years as a building director for the Watertown Education Association teacher’s union, and could always be counted on to show up to volunteer and support WEA events.

    Keira was extremely generous, freely and willingly giving up her time, talents, and treasures (if anyone needed any type of school supply, Keira was known to have it on hand). She was active with the Rohde Center in Adams for several years. She and her dad, Dean, implemented a school supply program and filled it regularly, until the center went back to providing food only.

    Keira was an avid reader from childhood. In grade school she would read books while walking to school. Everyone knew she would be a teacher someday. An unkind word was never spoken by Keira, and an unkind thought has never been conceived of whenever her name was mentioned. The world would be a better place if people strived to be like her.

   Keira is survived by her sister, Karen M. Thurheimer, Adams Center; brother, Kenneth D. Thurheimer, Chapel Hill, NC; brother-in-law, Michael Eichner, Rochester; four aunts, three uncles, several cousins, her many good friends, and her "nieces". She was predeceased by her parents; two brothers, Kurt H. and Eric C. Thurheimer; and sister Katherine A. Thurheimer.

   As per Keira's wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown and online condolences to her family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to a charity of your choice. Suggestions include American Kidney Fund (https://give.kidneyfund.org), the Celiac Disease Foundation (https://celiac.org), The Rohde Center (https://www.rohdecenter.org), or HarmoNNY Performing Arts Community (www.harmonny.org).

  Please join us to celebrate Keira on Monday, October 27th, any time between 3:00-7:00PM at The Strand, 136 Franklin Street, Watertown, NY 13601. Light foods and drinks will be provided.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Keira L. Thurheimer, please visit our floral store.