Beloved family member with many names, Marie Keenan

A native of Cloonohill, County Leitrim, Ireland, she was born to the late Michael and Elizabeth (Sorohan) Geelan.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Keenan, and her son, William Michael Keenan. 

She is the loving mother of Annemarie (Michael) Golden, Bernadette (David) Moore and Deborah (William) Antonopoulos, and daughter-in-law Joanne Keenan. Dear sister of Elizabeth Flaherty and Kathleen Sullivan, and preceded in death by her beloved brothers P.J. and Michael Geelan. 

She also is survived by her 11 cherished grandchildren — Lisa, Sean, Michelle, Jennifer, Becky, Brendan, Christopher, David, Alexis, Marie and Paige. And seven adored great-grandchildren — Jayde, Camryn, Grayson, Charlotte, Hudson, Mason and Ryan, as well as many nieces and nephews.

With grandchildren in three different states, she was accustomed to responding to different names. She was “grandma,” “nana” and “nanny.” These names and other terms of endearment reflect the many caring roles and relationships she had throughout her lifetime.

Starting with her father, who called her “baby,” then “mom,” “auntie,” “grandma,” “nana,” “nanny,” “Schotsie,” “Mimi” and “Miss Marie.” All reflect the many roles she played in her lifetime, and all the people she touched and loved so well, who loved her in return.

She was a lifelong learner. Way before the internet, she would research the old-fashioned way — she had several medical reference books that she referred to, and often correctly diagnosed ailments, even before a doctor could. She taught all four of her children how to swim without even knowing how to swim herself.

But, ever the learner, she took swim lessons later in life. 

She was a caring woman who will always be remembered for her dedication to family, a beautiful smile, great sense of humor, and looking forward to the next cup of tea shared with loved ones.

She will be dearly missed.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, and a Mass of Christian burial too place at St. Margaret of Cortona Church, with interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.