Joan Frances Beattie Keene

AUBURN -- Joan Frances Beattie Keene, 74, of Auburn, died July 2, 2011, surrounded by loved ones.

Joan was the middle of seven children born to Lawrence and Cecilia Beattie. She grew her incredible work ethic in the potato fields of Patten, where she developed her love and commitment to family in the joys and struggles of "county" living.

After graduating from Patten Academy, Joan showed her true colors as she marched off to the U.S. Army to pay her way to Gorham State Teachers College. She was proud of her service to her country. During a rich and fulfilling 30-year career as a teacher, she touched the minds and lives of a multitude of children, parents and fellow educators in the communities of Lewiston, Sabattus and Durham.

In her journey to become a teacher she met and married her lifetime best friend and the love of her life, Vance Keene. They were blessed with three children: Jonathan, Ellen and Kelly and later 12 grandchildren.

Joan touched the lives of many with her generosity and thoughtfulness of others. She cherished a large circle of life-long friendships cemented by unconditional shared loyalty and devotion.

Joan was predeceased by her parents and sister, Verna.

She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years; her children: Jonathan Keene of Massachusetts, Ellen County of Auburn, Kelly Marston and her husband, Mike, of Oakland; grandchildren: Megan, Cole, and Abby Keene, Billy, Rose (Dumas), Albert, Tyler, Rylee and Joshua County, Nicolas Keene and Hunter Hayes, and one great-grandchild, Gabriel Dumas.

She is also survived by her sister Marie O'Meara, husband Bill of Minneapolis, Minn.; sister Lorraine (Kitty) Beattie; brother Larry (Pouch) Beattie and wife Margaret of Portland; brother Paul Beattie wife Mary of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and brother David Beattie and wife Donna of Portland; and many nieces and nephews.

For three years, Joan displayed a remarkable determination in the face of a devastating diagnosis of terminal cancer. By living out her faith she modeled and taught those she loved valuable life lessons: be determined -- no obstacle is too large to overcome, try hard -- work harder, take less than you give, be kind to everyone, laugh every day, and love your family with every fiber of your being.

The family wishes to acknowledge the extraordinary care provided by the many angels of Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice and her doctors. In addition, the family wishes to give thanks for the countless loving deeds and prayers generously given by family and friends. Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.

A celebration of Joan's life will be held at Pathway Vineyard Church in Lewiston on Wednesday, July 6, at 1:30 p.m.; a reception will follow in the foyer. A committal service will be held later that day at Highland Cemetery on Megquier Hill in West Poland at 5 p.m. The family invites family and close friends to their home Tuesday for a private visitation from 4 to 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations for a scholarship fund in her memory may be sent to Lisbon Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 878, Lisbon, ME 04250.

Arrangements are under the direction of Chandler Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, 26 West Dwinal Street, Mechanic Falls.