Linda Lee "Miss Penny" Keen

Keen, Linda Lee (Miss Penny)
Penny Keen passed away of pancreatic cancer on June 19, 2010. Born November 15, 1940, Penny was the daughter of Gail and Orr Keen of Burley, Idaho. Penny (BA cum laude, Sacramento State) possessed a gift for teaching private piano to children and adults. She was known for unique teaching methods and a warm and compassionate heart. She was famous for presenting her students in recital at Steinway Hall in Scottsdale and other venues throughout the Valley. She volunteered to teach disadvantaged and disabled children. Penny loved performing classical and jazz piano for various organizations and events, hiking, golf, sailing, and travel. She was a past member of Rotary and a current member of the Sierra Club. She had a passion and zest for life. Many diverse and loyal friends consider Penny "family" and feel blessed to have known her. In her last week, esteemed tenor and friend, Frank D'Ambrosio (who was the longest running phantom in The Phantom of the Opera) visited Eckstein Hospice to sing to Penny. Her son, Mitchell Von Hively, her parents, O.W. Keen and Gail Keen, and her beloved dog, Song, preceded Penny in death. Penny is survived by daughters, Leslie Von Hively and Michele Von Hively, grandson, Parker John Hively, sister Allegra Klein, niece and nephews Abbie Ann Klein, Cy Klein & Slade Klein, sisters Cheryl Shaheen & Loretta Michalski and her adored cat and companion, Alexandria. Penny wanted to be remembered with love and pleasant memories. Memorial contributions may be made to the Educational Fund of the Scottsdale Foothills Rotary Club 5510.