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BORN
1945
DIED
2020
Ann Keenan Obituary
Ann was born on January 7, 1945 in NY, NY to parents, James and Annabelle (Dwyer) O'Rourke. She was a graduate of Elizabeth Seton Academy in 1962 and The College of Mount St. Vincent in 1966. She spent her decades-long career as a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher of primary school children in the Dioceses of Oakland, CA and Chicago, IL. She fulfilled a selfless calling to help those most vulnerable and in need by being a loving and tireless advocate and foster mother to numerous children over the years through DCFS and Catholic Charities. Ann will be remembered for her profound kindness, generosity and genuine care for others, all demonstrated with a quick wit that never dulled. She was dearly loved by her family and many friends and will be greatly missed.
Ann is survived by her by children, James, Kathleen, Kenneth, Mary Tiedeman (Todd), Lisa, Brian and Laura; grandchildren, Alexis, Michael and Izzabelle; siblings, Kevin (Damien), Ellen Watson (Gary) and Brian (Stacey); numerous nieces and nephews; and dear friends she considered family. She is preceded in death by son Kevin; brother James; parents, James and Annabelle.
A celebration of Ann's life will be held at a later date when we can cue the Irish Tenors and celebrate the life of an amazing woman we were all lucky to know.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ann Keenan
Rashmi Sarin
June 14, 2021
I was trying to contact you from last few months and had a feeling that you, my friend have left us. I´ll so miss our long talks and selfless love that you always gave me. You´re my guardian angel and I´ll never forget you. Love you for who you were
Sharon Sauer
January 18, 2021
Just discovered that Ann died last May. I met and taught with Ann at St. Jarlath Elementary School in Oakland, CA in the 1970´s. We became life long friends. She was generous, kind, loving and lived a faithful life. Such a dedicated teacher and Mom. So grateful our paths crossed. Sending sincere sympathy to all her loved ones. Hugs.
Eileen Hogan Heineman
June 19, 2020
Just heard the news of Ann's death, and I want to offer my sincere condolences to her family and friends. I loved working with Ann at Northside Catholic Academy. She was not only a fabulous teacher, but a wonderful colleague, both to those with whom she had worked for years at St. Henry, but also to all the new colleagues she had at NCA. She was a mentor to so many, and a source of support and wisdom to those of us in administration. Her smile was contagious, and she shared it freely. It was a treat to know her.
Dale Homewood Kladder
June 10, 2020
I was saddened to hear of Anns passing. I remember Ann from our college days at The Mount. Ann always had a smile on her face, a twinkle in her eyes, and love in her heart. My deepest condolences to her family.
Regina Burke Vassak
June 7, 2020
I have such fond memories of Ann, one of the first CMSV girls I met on move-in day, Seton Hall, just across the hall from me. Bright smile, optimistic nature -- her passing is a loss to many from all eras of her live. My condolences to her family and friends, God bless all.
Beatrice(Lynch) Mondare
June 3, 2020
I joined Ann at CMSV in September 1964. She was kind and accepting. I will always remember her friendship. May the love of her family and friends bring peace to all who love her.
Deborah Burica
June 3, 2020
Ann was a wonderful coworker at St. Itas. But its the years of phone calls and letters these past 25 years that I will miss. She was a very special and kind person. My condolences to her family.
Deborah Burica
June 3, 2020
Ann was a wonderful coworker at St. Itas. But its the years of phone calls and letters these past 25 years that I will miss. She was a very special and kind person. My condolences to her family.
Elaine Sloan
June 2, 2020
Ann exuded beauty and grace--inside and out. Wishing her family peace and comfort as they mourn the loss of one so beloved.
virginia Lambert
June 1, 2020
What sad news. I remember Ann from our days at The Mount as a lovely woman. My sincere sympathy to all of her family.
Loretta Jablonski Donovan
June 1, 2020
As a Mount classmate Anns smile and positive attitude was a pleasure to behold. I fondly remember our experiences as day hops.
Maggie Marrazzo Kirwin
June 1, 2020
I recall Ann from our college days and reunions with such fondness. Ann was fun to be aroundShe always had an easy laugh, a bright wit and great sense of humor. She was smart, generous and kind. May she Rest In Peace. My sympathy to her family.
Damien O'Rourke
May 30, 2020
Lovely tribute to Ann . She loved her family and close friends . I salute a terrific mother and person who I have admired since we were not only related by marriage but grew up together in Yonkers . A beautiful women who had a great sense of humor and understanding of lifes difficulties. She loved everything Irish . Damien
Jenny Larsen
May 30, 2020
Ann was a wonderful woman, a thoughtful teacher, an avid reader and so loving to her family and friends.
I had the pleasure of being Anns teaching partner at St. Itas. She was a mentor to me my first year of teaching (2001) and to this day has influenced my career as a teacher. Im still teaching first grade and have some of the books she donated to me. Each time I see Keenan written on the book in her beautiful cursive it gives me a smile.
Im so saddened to hear she has passed. She always took so much joy in talking about her children and grandchildren. I will miss my dear friend. Much love to her and her family.
With deepest sympathy,
Jenny Larsen
Louise Tarangioli
May 29, 2020
Ann was my first friend and I will always remember her.
Louise T
Mary Tiedeman
May 29, 2020
I ♥you Mom
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