Our History

On April 8, 1965 an enthusiastic group of ladies met on the porch of the Big Pine Inn with the purpose of promoting friendship and good will among residents and visitors of the Keys, while supporting local charities through fund-raising.

That day the Lower Keys Women’s Club was born, and for over 60 years the Club has continued the work of these 24 women by raising funds and collecting countless items for local Keys charities such as our CFK Nursing Scholarship, nursing homes, homeless and children's shelters, food pantries, domestic abuse outreach, animal shelters, environmental preservation efforts, and countless others.

Just like most residents of the Lower Keys, the Club was heavily impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Irma and the effects of the COVID pandemic. We were on the verge of losing the Club due to declining membership. But just like in 1965, a group of women came together and stood strong. Thanks to their passion and determination, the Club was able to welcome enough new members to plan for a successful future. We are grateful that even through the lean years, we were able to serve our community together.

To continue our legacy of goodwill and community support, the Lower Keys Women's Club needs to keep growing. Please help by becoming a member, a Flamingo supporter, or making a donation to our many Keys charities today! 

In Memoriam with Honor & Gratitude

We are grateful to all the kind and strong women who have marched before us over the past 60+ years. They paved the way for us to "promote friendship and goodwill among residents and visitors of the Keys, and to support local charities through fundraising"  since the days of our inception on the porch of the Big Pine Inn, in 1965.

We dedicate this section to those who have passed before us, and left a beautiful legacy to uphold. We are forever grateful, Ladies.

• Erma Ford

• Bernadette "Bernie" Becker

• Claudette Getter

• Norma MacDonald

• Micheline Barre

• Jean Curtis

• Anne Parrish

• Betty Balmer

• Jill Baldridge

• Joyce Revelli

• Barbara Rodgers

• Mary Moisher

• Hilde Dimpflmaier

• Hildy Nickler

• Mary Lou Reid

• Elizabeth West

• Joan Sammy

• Patricia Manosca Pannullo

We know this list is quite incomplete. If you know of a woman who was a member of the LKWC over the years, and would like their name added In Memoriam, please send to info@lowerkeyswomensclub.com.

We are accepting In Memoriam donations to the Club as well. These funds will be donated to the one charity that has been the heart and soul of our fundraising over the years, the College of the Florida Keys Nursing Program.