Patricia Keene

1926 - 2015

April 23, 1926 - March 29, 2015 Patricia Margaret (Danskin) Keene died at the age of 88 at her home in Manhattan Beach, California on Sunday March 29, 2015 after a two year courageously fought battle with cancer. She was born in Alhambra, California to Edna and John Danskin. Pat attended Alhambra High School where she met her sweetheart and future husband, Bill Keene. From their first date, dancing to the music of Tommy Dorsey at the Hollywood Palladium, it was a match made in heaven. Pat and Bill were married on July 4, 1947 in South Pasadena and enjoyed 67 years together, over 65 of them in Manhattan Beach. She attended UCLA during World War II while Bill was overseas. A member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, she graduated in 1947. After working with Los Angeles County as a social worker, she went on to obtain her teaching credential, also at UCLA. She gained great satisfaction from her over 25 year teaching career beginning at Richmond Street School in El Segundo. After teaching at various elementary schools in Manhattan Beach, she retired after several years as a kindergarten teacher at Ladera School, also in Manhattan. Somehow she found the time, with friends, to conceive and open the Lemon Tree boutique in downtown Manhattan Beach. Pat cherished the summers at Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Boat Camp with her family, camping, water skiing, fishing and hiking. She loved living in Manhattan Beach, across the street from her daughter and her family. Mostly, she adored spending time with her children, grandchildren and lifelong friends. Her parties were legendary, particularly the annual Fourth of July bash. When her children grew older she and Bill traveled the world. Their trips were adventurous including safaris and ballooning in Africa, climbing the Great Wall of China, rafting the Grand Canyon, cycling the Danube and frequent visits to their son and his family in Switzerland. Always on the go, she was either packing, unpacking, gardening or working on some creation made of the countless objects and materials she collected in her beloved "laundry" room. She constantly gathered and created new ideas for her teaching via her myriad hobbies; Cub Scout and Indian Guide den mother, seamstress, marine museum volunteer, gourmet cook, potter, florist, interior decorator, avid reader, author, style maven and pursuer of all things creative. She is survived by her husband, Bill, her son, Andy, daughter-in-law Uschi, her grand children, Kevin, Brian, Laura and Lynn of Switzerland, daughter Kerry Keene Padilla, son-in-law, Joe and granddaughter, Chelsea Formiller, of Manhattan Beach. She was predeceased by her only sibling, John Danskin. Pat led a spectacular life with interests spanning far and wide. People were drawn to her inner light (visible through those bright blue eyes!), charisma and joie de vivre. She enriched the lives of all who knew her. We so miss her clever sense of humor, witty quips, stories and her scuttering around the house infecting everyone with her vitality. Wherever you may be, we hope you finally catch "Pepper", the kindergarten pig and quench your thirst in a fountain of Cosmos! A small private family service was held in Palos Verdes. A celebration of her life will be held at a future date.