Juliana Mary "Julie" Keating

1943 - 2015

NORTHAMPTON - Juliana "Julie" Mary Keating, 72, a longtime resident of Northampton, passed away Friday, Nov. 6, 2015, after a battle with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).

Ms. Keating was born in Plattsburgh, New York, in 1943. She attended Pace University, College of White Plains where she received a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1964. She went on to attend Fordham University where she received a master's degree in chemistry in 1966.

Ms. Keating moved to Northampton in 1976 and began work with the Department of Transitional Assistance in 1977. She worked in both the Northampton and Holyoke offices, ending her 33 year career when she retired in 2010. She had traveled the world, was a huge ballet fan and loved to spend time with her grandsons. She was also an avid crafter, knitting was her specialty.

Ms. Keating is survived by her two daughters, Kelly Garfield of Westfield, and Tara Keating of Philadelphia, as well as her son-in-law Tod Garfield and her three grandchildren, Tyler, Camden and Brody Garfield.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Ahearn Funeral Home, 783 Bridge Road, Northampton. The funeral service will be Thursday, Nov. 12, at 10 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church, 354 Elm St., Northampton. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Multiple System Atrophy Coalition, 9935-D Rea Road, #212, Charlotte, NC 28277 or at www.multiplesystematrophy.org.

To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.