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Marie Keener Obituary
age 106, a pioneer in the science of osteopathic medicine, died Jan. 28, 2010. She was born Dec. 2, 1904 in Hartville, Ohio to Benjamin and Anna Keener. Marie graduated from Hartville High School in 1922, attended Hiram College for one year and then matriculated to the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, graduating in 1929. Following an internship, she moved to Canton and established a practice of family medicine where, in the beginning, she charged $2 for an office visit. She retired 70 years later. She cared for several generations of families through medical treatment and manipulation in a field of medicine that was dominated by men. She watched as osteopathic medicine gradually became accepted by the medical community. She was one of the inventive forces in the establishment of Doctors' Hospital, an osteopathic facility in Perry Heights.
Marie's patients and friends included Baroness Marie von Trapp, a central figure in the motion picture, "The Sound of Music," Virgil Fox, a renowned interpretor of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and many well known Cantonians from the areans of politics and business. Marie was also an accomplished organist and supporter of the arts. In September 1994, Dr. Keener was awarded the Class of '29 Alumni Association Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition of distinguished and devoted service by the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. Marie was a member of many medical and professional organization. She was also member of the Church of the Savior United Methodist and was the founder of the Canton Optimist Club.
Marie had many friends, but no immediate relatives. A service was conducted at Mount Peace Cemetery, Hartville. Dr. Marie Keener, a woman of great accomplishment, is buried next to her parents. The Reed Funeral Home Canton Chapel was entrusted with her arrangements. Those wishing to share their condolences or a fond memory may sign the Reed On-Line Guestbook at www. reedfuneralhome.com. All messages will be forwarded to Neal and Janet Waltz who were her friends and caregivers.
Reed, 330-477-6721
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Memories and Condolences
for Marie Keener
Richard and Pat Kiko
February 8, 2011
Our Families Most Cherished Doctor ... You will be Missed...
Memories of Dear Dr. Keener will always be Our Blessing...
Sincerely , Richard and Pat Kiko and Dick's 12 Brothers and Sisters Whom Dr. Keener mostly delivered at Home On Our Parents,
( Russ and Coletta 's ) Farm south of Canton, Ohio
Leslie Nicola
February 6, 2011
My first memory of Dr. Keener was when she came to our house to give me an injection for strep throat. I was about 8 yrs. old. She wasn't exactly my favorite person after that. Until I got to know her, of course. She cared for my parents, too. What a kind and knowledgable physician she was. Never in a rush, alwasys making you feel like her only patient. May she rest in peace.
February 2, 2011
Dr. Keener’s friendly interest in my grandparents, parents, and us children (now in our sixties!) is an enduring legacy of kindness. My grandparents were her neighbors, patients, and friends. Doc and June were a Canton institution. My grandfather was always tickled to be drafted into June’s many household and automotive projects. My mother was Doc’s receptionist for some years. Doc (or Dr. Marie as she liked us to call her) always encouraged us kids in our musical and artistic interests. Doc advocated aerobic exercise and a low-cholesterol diet back in the sixties well before such things became the fashion. We will always remember Dr. Marie Keener’s warm and gentle manner, her steadfastness in her principles, and her unjudgmental embrace of all that was constructive, expressive, or generous. Her life is an example to us all.
Todd Boli
February 2, 2011
Dr. Keener’s friendly interest in my grandparents, parents, and us children (now in our sixties!) is an enduring legacy of kindness. My grandparents were her neighbors, patients, and friends. Doc and June were a Canton institution. My grandfather was always tickled to be drafted into June’s many household and automotive projects. My mother was Doc’s receptionist for some years. Doc (or Dr. Marie as she liked us to call her) always encouraged us kids in our musical and artistic interests. Doc advocated aerobic exercise and a low-cholesterol diet back in the sixties well before such things became the fashion. We will always remember Dr. Marie Keener’s warm and gentle manner, her steadfastness in her principles, and her unjudgmental embrace of all that was constructive, expressive, or generous. Her life is an example to us all.
January 31, 2011
As a past active member and officer of the Canton Camera Club I had the pleasure of knowing "Doc" and June for many years. It was always a delight to talk with her and hear her stories. She will be greatly missed by all who had to honor of knowing Dr. Marie Keener.
Alan R. Dolan, Massillon, OH
Dr. Lisa Vaughn
January 31, 2011
What a wonderful physician, teacher and role model she was! Dr. Keener taught me to value the experiences of everyone, young and old and to be open to new ideas wherever they may come from. She was full of grace and dignity and she touched so many lives. The world is a better place because of Dr. Marie Keener and I feel , I am a better physician because of her. Her intellectual curiosity was unmatched and she always was willing to share her treasure trove of Osteopathic medical knowledge. She made a difference in my life. May her memory be for a blessing.
January 31, 2011
I met Dr. Kenner only a few times, but I have fond memories of our meeting at the Canton Soroptimist meetings. May you rest in peace, dear lady.
Cheryl Fouts, Governor MWR
Gail Martin
January 31, 2011
We knew Dr. Keener was a member of our church, but we didn't know her well until we discovered her relationship with Maria VonTrapp.When our seven children played the parts of the seven little VonTrapps in the stage play "The Sound of Music", Dr. Keener sent us an autographed photo of Maria. When our son was stricken with a near fatal attack on a Sunday evening, we called her instead of our family doctor - she was a neighbor. She came to the house, examined him, took him up in her arms and drove him to the hospital in her own car. She literally saved his life. I thank God for her every time I see our handsome son and know we still have him because of her.
Margaret Frost
January 31, 2011
Dr. Keener was a treasured member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Canton Chapter. At 106, she was our oldest member. Many of us have cherished memories of her kind smile and generous spirit.
Anonymous
January 30, 2011
AFTERGLOW:
I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one, I'd lke to leave an afterglow of smiles when day is gone. I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, Of happy times, and laughing times, and bright and sunny days. I'd like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun, Of happy memories that I leave when life is done. Memories are the legacy of love. May she rest in peace.
Pat and Dick Dugan
January 30, 2011
Marie was an exceptional lady and an inspiration to me and so many others. We have wonderful memories and many photographs of our shared service to others through our Soroptimist organization, of which Marie was a charter member. Now her beautiful spirit shines forth in a new "home."
January 30, 2011
I will always remember you walking your little white dog every day ...and you being so tiny driving a giant Suberban....Your pounds of birdseed in your yard for the squirels and birds...
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