Joanne Keating Obituary

Joanne Brandes
Keating
1935-2016
On January 5, 2016, Joanne Brandes Keating ended her long fight with Alzheimer's. Surrounded by family, she died with grace and dignity and as beautiful as ever. Joanne was born in Erie, Pa., October 16, 1935, the oldest daughter of Warren and Miriam Brandes. She graduated from Villa Maria Academy in Erie in 1953 and began working with Prudential Insurance Company. In 1956, she married her husband, John. Joanne led a diverse and interesting life. For the first 20 years she thrived as the wife of an Air Force fighter pilot. During that time she gave birth to eight children and successfully managed her family through many stateside and overseas moves. In 1974, she began a 24-year career in Human Resources with the Daily Press, a Hampton Roads Virginia and Tribune newspaper. After retirement in 1998, she and John moved to her favorite place, the mountains and desert of Tucson, Arizona. In 2008, with the onset of Alzheimer's, they relocated to Houston to be with family and the best medical facilities.
Joanne was a remarkable woman. Her trademark was a smile, a kind word and a radiant beauty. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother whose energy was endless in the support and care of her family. At the same time Joanne was the complete woman, bringing character, charm and intelligence to her professional life.
Joanne is survived by her husband John Keating of Houston, their seven children, Mary Jo Conery and husband Tim, Tucson, Arizona, Michael Keating, Fairfax, Virginia, John Keating and wife Ingrid, Bellaire, Texas, Kathleen Hanafan and husband Michael, Omaha, Nebraska, Patricia Templeton and husband Scott, Marietta, Georgia, Laureen Absher and husband John, Greenville, South Carolina, Christine Roberts and husband Brian, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and her sister Caroline Kettering, Union City, Pennsylvania Their children presented Joanne and John with 25 precious grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
A memorial event celebrating the wonderful life of Joanne Keating will be held at the family home in late January. The family requests that memorials in Joanne's name be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 6055 S Loop East at Longwood Drive, Houston, TX, 77087 or on-line at alz.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Jan. 10, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Joanne Keating

8 Entries

Stacey & Kevin

January 4, 2024

Good Afternoon, Patsy
Wanted to let you know that we visit the area on every Mother's Day and will make sure to clear the brush away from your Mother's memorial stone. It is such a serene site to sit and reflect on the Wonderful memories of our loved ones. My daughter passed away on Mother's Day and we have had so many Beautiful moments remembering her on Mt. Lemmon. And even though we do not know one another, we have come together to honor our Loved ones in a precious way. Your family is on our hearts and in our prayers on this special day.

Patsy Keating Templeton

May 15, 2023

Kevin & Stacey, I am not sure if you will ever see this, but thank you. Our mother loved the view from Mt Lemon and it is where we celebrate her often. My sister had just been up there the same day and we thought that all had been washed away. After hearing from my sister, I chose to view this page again and saw your post. It brought tears to my eyes that you took the time to gather and move her flowers to her memorial. Our family is forever grateful.

Kevin & Stacey

May 13, 2023

We found these flowers near an old fire pit about 15 feet to the east. Her stone is still in good shape. We moved them back to her stone assuming they may have been displaced by an animal or something. Happy Mothers Day to her, and God Bless your Family.

Kevin & Stacey

May 13, 2023

We found these flowers and bouquet ornament near an old fire pit about 15-20 feet to the east. Her stone is still in good shape, and well protected by wild brush. We moved them back to her stone assuming they may have been displaced by an animal or something. Happy Mothers Day to her, and God Bless your Family.

Loretta and Tim Cwalinski

December 16, 2021

We did not know Joanne but saw a stone on Mt. Lemon today in honor of her, by a beautiful golden bush. We guessed she loved it there.

Melissa Trevallion Hespenhide

October 12, 2017

Joanne came to my mind today, and as I had not seen her in many years, I looked for her online and was so sorry to see that she had passed away. What a beautiful lady she was, inside and out. I was blessed to have her as my dear friend for many years when we worked together at the Daily Press, and I will always remember her as elegant, poised, professional and unfailing gracious. My belated but no less sincere sympathies to John, her family, and so many others who loved her. Until you see her again, I hope that memories of the joyful times you shared with her, and knowing that she is safely home, with bring you endless comfort.

January 17, 2016

Sincere condolences goes out to the Keating family for your sad loss. May GOD be with the family as you mourn the loss of Joanne.

Bill & Anna Abney

January 17, 2016

John,
May the comfort and strength of The Lord surround you with
His wings of grace and mercy.
Thanks again John for your fine example of courage and integrity
While working together at Avis.

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