Born Elisabeth Irma Burkhalter to Friedrich John Burkhalter (1889-1963) and Sophie Gerber (1902-1980). Emigrated with her mother in 1926. Adopted by stepfather Carl Von Flue. Married 1) George Wesley Walcott (1906-1991) on 07.06.1942. Divorced. 2) Donald Wiley Keene (1921-1994) on 08.05.1954 At that time she also applied for naturalization and legal given name change from Elisabeth Irma to Elisabeth Irene.