Obituary of Geraldine-F. Keenan

Geraldine F. Keenan DOVER - Geraldine F. Keenan, 96, formerly a long time resident of Dover, died Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 at the Episcopal Senior Home in Rochester, N.Y. following a brief illness. Gerry was born on March 27, 1918 in Brockton, Mass., the daughter of Harry M. and Florence E. (Walsh) Wardwell. She graduated from Brockton High School and Bridgewater State Teacher's College. Gerry met and married the love of her life, James P. Keenan, Jr. in York, Maine, and moved to Dover to start her family. They had five children together before Jim's untimely death in 1959. Gerry was a dedicated elementary school teacher for 35 years, primarily at St. Mary Academy/Dover Catholic, and enjoyed teaching generations of Dover children. She also taught English as a Second Language in the Dover Adult Basic Education Program in the evening. Mrs. Keenan retired in 1988. Gerry's immediate family includes sons James Keenan (deceased) and his wife Betsy of Falls Church, Va., David Keenan and his wife Deborah of South Bend, Indiana, Paul Keenan of Tokyo, Japan, and daughters Barbara Yee and husband Al of North Andover, Mass., and Anne Shields and husband Ron of Pittsford, N.Y., as well as nine grandchildren, Liz Keenan, Emma Grace Noga, Katie Ten-Brink, Alanna Keenan, John, Julia and Annie Keenan, Keenan and Vasya Shields, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. We remember Mom, Nana, "Aunt Gerry" as a kind, humble and selfless woman who never faltered from her deep faith in God. Her family meant everything to her, and she was never happier than when spending time with them. Gerry had a delightful sense of humor that was a joy to others and which she kept throughout her life. Mrs. Keenan was an active member and served as Chapter President of Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary international organization of and for outstanding women educators. She was also an active parishioner of St. Joseph's while living in Dover on Hawthorne Road. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2015, from 3-6 p.m. at the Tasker Funeral Home, 621 Central Ave., Dover, N.H. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday January 26, 2015, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Church (corner of Chestnut and Third Sts) Dover, N.H. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Donations may be made to local hospice organizations in lieu of flowers. Please go to www.taskerfh.com to sign the online guest book. Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book.