FLORENCE - Patricia B. Keating, 94, formerly of 26 Pine Street in Florence, passed away peacefully Wednesday April 23, 2014 in Westfield at Armbrook Village.
Patricia was born in Peabody, March 4, 1920 the daughter of William and Grace (Hewitt) Barry. She grew up in Ware attending schools there before moving to Northampton with her family when her father, William R. Barry, was appointed Superintendent of Schools. She graduated from Northampton High School in the class of 1937 and from Smith College with a degree in Theatre in 1941. Pat was a lifelong lover of Theater and the Arts. She taught Drama and Speech at Northampton High School for many years before retiring in 1981. Previously she worked as a Librarian at Forbes Library and in later years served as a Trustee. She was a founding member of the Learning in Retirement group; the Circle Players, and served on the Northampton Council for the Arts.
Patricia was predeceased by her husband, J. Richard Keating, and her brothers Frederick K. Barry and Richard H. Barry. She leaves her daughter, Pamela Holt and son-in-law Paul Holt of Northampton, and her son, Barry Keating of New York City, her sisters Jean Curran of Florence, and Jill St. John of Woodbury, Conn., three grandchildren: Kristen Heath, Charles Holt and Zachary Holt, five great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial Visitation for Patricia will be held at the Czelusniak Funeral Home of Northampton on Saturday, May 3, 2014 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. followed by a Liturgy of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. at the Annunciation Chapel of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Beacon St., Florence. Interment of Patricia's ashes will immediately follow the Mass in Spring Grove Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to Look Memorial Park, 300 N. Main Street, Florence, MA 01062.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 2, 2014
Thomas "Todd" St. John
To my beloved Aunt and Godmother. You will always be remembered for your smile, your laugh, your graciousness and your style. You are already dearly missed. May you shine forever in the hearts you have touched throughout your life's journey.
May 2, 2014
I loved Pat. We were LIR members together when my husband Bob served with her in establishing LIR, I learned so much from her in her Art History classes and alwlays looked forward to each meeting with her. She was so knowledgeable and fun. And so elegant! She was a very special dear friend. Ann Grpse
May 1, 2014
Grace LeClair
I only had the chance to meet Mrs. Keating very recently, but was struck by her tremendous vitality and presence. I am sure that her tremendous gifts will live on in her descendants.
May 1, 2014
Diane Natale
My sincere condolences. Mrs. Keating was a funny, full of life, speech and drama teacher. I so wanted to get my Thespian pin and worked as hard as I could to make the hours needed to get it. I'll never forget her stopping her car next to my car, on Chestnut St. in Florence and telling me that she had given my pin to Bill Fennessey to give to me as I had already graduated and was a Freshman in College. I also was too afraid to try out for plays at NHS so I became in charge of make-up. But now I am on stage with my local theater group, thanks to Mrs. Keating. I have wonderful memories of speech class and because of her I can stand in front of an audience. Thank you, Mrs. Keating. NHS class 1967
May 1, 2014
Thomas laBelle
Dear Pam,I'm sorry for the passing of you mother. My prayers and thoughts with you and your family. Pam, remember when I used the VW bug to go to Boston? Long time ago---
April 30, 2014
Darlene Blakesley
Pam,
Sorry for the loss of your mother. I had Mrs.Keating for speach class at Northampton High School and will never forget that she seemed to be ahead of her time, playing music to us by Meatloaf. You were lucky to have such a great mom! We were lucky to have a great teacher!
April 30, 2014
Deborah Serrano (Hill)
I had the privilege of knowing Mrs. Keating through the drama program at Northampton High School. She lit up the school with her enthusiasm and encourage so many of us. She is part of some of my happiest memories of that time. I will always think of her fondly. What a contribution she made! NHS class of 1970.
April 29, 2014
Donna Kapitan Slocombe
Barry, Pam and family,
I am so very saddened by the loss of your wonderful Mother. I was so fortunate to have her as a teacher, not only at Hamp High ('65) but also again at Northampton Commercial College. There was no better role model for girls growing up in the 60's than Pat Keating. Her wonderful smile and her warm and caring personality will never be forgotten. May happy memories of your lives with her sustain you in this very difficult time.
April 29, 2014
David Warner
Thanks to Mrs. Keating for helping us find the courage to speak up! NHS 1974
April 29, 2014
Barbara Neslin
Jean,
Pat was a wonderful speech and drama teacher. I am praying for your family. May she rest in God's eternal peace.
April 29, 2014
Anne Brown
Mrs Keating was a wonderful teacher.. I have fond memories of her at NHS class of 1972...Anne Crawley Brown...
April 29, 2014
Marcia Gagnon-Borucki
Thank you Mrs. Keating for being a great teacher. I always enjoyed your class. Rest in peace.
April 29, 2014
Debbie Carnes
I never had Mrs. Keating for a teacher, but I can still hear her laughter ringing in the High School's halls and its Little Theater. She always seemed to be incredibly positive, supportive, and authentic to students and staff. I am so sorry for your loss.
April 29, 2014
RIP, Mrs Keating.
April 29, 2014
Tobias Baskin
My condolences to the Keating family. I loved Pat's theater class at Hamp High and think of her fondly. Rest in peace.
April 29, 2014
Jeff Berlin
Saddened to hear of Mrs. Keating's passing. Her class in Northampton High School may have been the catalyst that launched my lifelong career. I owe her a deep debt of gratitude. Thank you Patricia Keating, may you rest with peaceful eternal joy in heaven.
April 29, 2014
Wendy
What a sweet and lovely woman. I had the pleasure of being her neighbor a few years ago. She was so proud of her family and dismissive of her own formidable talents. Always smiling.
April 29, 2014
Susan Adelson
I am saddened to learn of Pat Keating's death, and I wish her survivors comfort during this sorrowful time. Mrs. Keating was the teacher of my public speaking class at NHS, and she gave me the skills and opportunity to hone that craft which has been useful to me throughout my life. Mrs. Keating was a teacher who always gave praise to her students. That which she gave me truly helped my self-confidence. I hadn't known that her father was Mr. Barry who was the superintendent of schools when I was in grammar school. He, too, was adored my many, many students. What a wonderful family.
April 29, 2014
Karen McGrath (Usaforest)
My condolences to the entire family. Mrs. Keating was an inspirational and caring teacher - and a tremendous amount of fun! I always admired her. '67 NHS
April 29, 2014
Pat was such a wonderful addition to our Family at the Inn at the Lathrop. Our Deepest Condolences, Jackie Lupario, Jane Kulis and Janet Rucki
April 29, 2014
Liz Pease
My deepest condolences to the Keating family. I had Mrs. Keating as a teacher back in High School-she was a terrific teacher and a truly lovely person.
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