Laura Ranes Keating
1971 - 2016
Laura Ranes Keating
1971 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
Laura Keating Obituary
Until the day she died, Laura was the most affectionate person there ever was. She was a talented ballet dancer and earned the coveted role of Clara in Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker. She attended Hingham High School before graduating with a degree in English from Emerson College in Boston. She was a gifted writer and poet, with published works, but her real passion was children and teaching.
She went on the get her master's degree in Education at Lesley College and eventually became a teacher at the Osgood School in Cohasset, Massachusetts. She was a leader in her union and fiercely loved her students, teachers and helping children grow and realize their potential. Her favorite place was World's End in Hingham and she was a member of the Trustees of the Preservation.
Laura passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 24, 2016, and the world got a bit dimmer without her radiant light. She leaves many who love and miss her: mother, Nan Cogswell Keating; sister Jennifer McGuiggin, Jen's husband Dan, and their children Clara, Lila, Jane and Chris; sister Liz Doten of Charlotte, NC, and her two children Connor and Allie; her brother Chris Keating of Ocoee, FL, his wife Cathy, and their children, Morgan and Ryan Keating, and Emma and Josh Katz; beloved aunt and dear friend Pam Keating of Flushing, NY; uncle and treasured friend Paul Cogswell of Chicago, IL, his wife Kathleen and their children Anne and Andrew; dear family friend Patricia Loring; aunt Gale Cogswell, and Gale and Paul's daughter Alexis Cogswell also from Chicago. And last, but not least, her beloved dog Bix. Laura joins in Heaven Roger Keating, her father. Beyond her immediate family Laura leaves a large extended family, many good friends, her faculty family in the Osgood School, and of course her hundreds of students over the years. She will be missed by all.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, September 1st at 9:00 AM at St. Christine's Parish,1295 Main St, Marshfield, MA 02050.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Trustees of the Preservation at www.thetrustees.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ryan Keeley
November 4, 2016
I met Laura sixteen years ago. We sat next to each other on a flight from Orlando to Boston and she instantly made an impression on me. Even today I still remember her talking mostly about her family and her twin sister. She was so funny and filled with life as she squeezed my hand during the entire flight home because she was anxious to fly. We kept in contact for a little while but ultimately lost touch. I was on a flight today and something reminded me of her. I looked her up on the internet only to read this sad news. She was a truly special person. I can say with confidence I have never randomly thought about someone I sat next to on a plane for three short hours, let alone sixteen years ago. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Rowena Karp
September 6, 2016
Laura was my daughter's Juliette's 4th grade teacher (she is now a successful 26 year old) and also Sarahs' 1st grade teacher the following year (she is now a senior in college). I still remember how excited Sarah was when she found out she would have Ms. Keating for 1st grade! Laura made going to school and learning so much fun, I wish she could have taught every grade. Please accept our condolences and thank you for sharing your wonderful daughter with us.
The Karp family
September 2, 2016
So sorry for Laura's family and friends. I will miss seeing her smiling face at the library.
Janet Dwyer, Paul Pratt Library
Mimi Cowart
September 2, 2016
Liz, Connor, Allie and the whole Keating Family,
So very sorry for your loss.
Much love,
Mimi Cowart and family
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Lynne Keenan
September 1, 2016
I remember the kindliest of teachers, with the smallest of voices and the biggest of hearts. Even though my son was in her class some 11 years ago, she remains one of his favorite teachers still.
The deepest of sympathy is sent to her family and friends as you mourn her loss.
Love,
Lynne Keenan and Family
1995-96 Inly School
Deborah Haug
September 1, 2016
I just heard of the untimely death of Laura. I am so sorry for your family's loss. I remember Laura from her time working at The Montessori Community School (now known as Inly School) from 1994-96. Her classroom was located right near the main office so I had the opportunity to see her many times throughout the day. She was a true ray of sunshine and was adored by both students and faculty. She will be missed by many.
I've attached a picture taken from her 1995-96 classroom picture. I'm afraid the quality may not be very good since I scanned the picture.
Abigail Bushnell
September 1, 2016
Dear Nan,
I am so sorry for your loss, we were just speaking this summer about how Laura was my first teacher. I was very lucky to have been her student; I still remember those first classes in Norwell. I wouldn't be where I am today without Laura's encouragement and guidance. I send my deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Love,
Abby Bushnell
Laura inspired learning, confidence, and creativity for both my son and daughter. Pictured here with my daughter in 2009.
Lisa Norton
September 1, 2016
Gwen Fitzgerald
August 31, 2016
To The Keating Family-
We were so lucky that our daughter Megan had Miss Keating for 1st grade. She was an incredible teacher that we got to know and love. We were then thrilled a few years later when our son, Jackson, got Miss Keating also! Our friendship and love for Laura continued, so much so that when our youngest, Connor, was going into 1st grade we tried to bribe the principal to put Connor is Miss Keating's class. We outbid everyone at the CEF fundraiser to win "lunch with the principal" so I could try to convince Janet Sheehan over lunch that Connor would thrive in Laura's class! This is the type of commitment parents of Laura's students have for her. She was an incredible person who will be missed terribly. To this day, whenever we have a family meeting, it is a "Keating Meeting". We will all think of her fondly when we do so. Prayers to you all.
With sincere condolences,
Gwen & Doug Fitzgerald
Caitlin Gravina
August 30, 2016
Laura was truly a shining light. My thoughts are with all of you during this terrible time.
Thinking of you all,
Caitlin Kelliher Gravina
Kathryn Wheeler
August 30, 2016
Dear Nan and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your loving memories of Laura, a beloved daughter, sister, friend and teacher. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Kathy and David Wheeler (Mount Dora, FL)
Debbie Riddell
August 30, 2016
So sorry to hear of your loss. Laura was a wonderful teacher, she taught our daughter Ellie in 1st grade and Ellie thought the world of her. Thinking of the family at this sad time, the Riddell family
August 30, 2016
We are so sorry to hear about your loss.
Laura was a friend of my husband from the Hingham High School days and they spent time together in this bigger group of friends that used to gather on the weekends.
My husband remembers her as being this very funny, corky and kind person.
Three years ago our son had the privilege to be in Laura's class as she became his 1st grade teacher at the Osgood School.
He loved her dearly and always felt so happy around her with all the hugs she gave and how caring she was around her students. It also helped that she according to our son loved Snoopy and had 2 awesome guinea pigs in the classroom.
We are thinking of all of Laura's family in this difficult time and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jenny and David Elwell, Cohasset MA
Joe and Joyce Joyce
August 29, 2016
Dear Nan and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Laura's sudden death. We will be praying for all of you.
We remember fondly the wonderful times our children enjoyed together when we lived on French Street the twins were so adorable.
God Bless you,
Joe and Joyce Joyce
Also we are so sorry to hear of Roger's
death.
melissa grasz
August 29, 2016
Laura was my daughter Lexa's first grade teacher. What a wonderful way to start a child on a life long love of learning and respect for others. She created one of the most well behaved, and kindest, classroom environments that I have ever seen. I enjoyed watching her 1st graders jockeying for a hug from Miss Keating before they left for the day.
You have our deepest sympathy for your loss. We will think of her when we are walking at World's End
August 29, 2016
Our condolences to Chris and Cathy Keating and Family. With love and a donation to the Trustees of the Preservation, the Merlet Family, Orlando, FL.
Megan and Dan Hayes Olk
August 29, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Laura was my daughter Nichola's 1st grade teacher last year and she adored her. Laura had a gift with children and we are blessed that she touched our daughter's life.
Leslie Nies
August 28, 2016
Laura was my daughter Dagny's teacher when she moved to Osgood after Montessori. Laura made the transition easier for Dagny with her warmth, hugs and kind heart. I'm certain the Keating family knows the difference Laura made in so many little first graders' lives.
God bless,
Dagny and Leslie Nies
Alison (Costello) Gilmore
August 28, 2016
Dear Nan, Jen and family,
I am so terribly sorry for your loss, I am without words. I grew up dancing with Mrs Keating as my ballet teacher and spent many years in awe, looking up to both Jen and Laura dancing. If I had one word to describe Laura it would be 'spunky'! I still remember Mrs Keating shaking her head trying to hide her smile with Laura's huge personality, spunk and sense of humor in the studio! I will always remember Laura's amazing talent, her jumps and turns and flexibility as I looked up to her as she danced in roles as the "green girl", in Graduation Ball, in our production of Cats and of course as Clara in the Nutcracker!! She was amazing!!
I can't imagine the hurt and sense of loss and sorrow you are experiencing right now and I am so sorry for that. But, I do remember how close your whole family was and know what comfort you will all offer each other in the days ahead. Take care and please know I am sending my love and prayers your way. May Laura rest in the sweetest of peace.
Alison Piasecki
August 28, 2016
Laura was my son's first grade teacher many years ago. I will never forget the love and kindness she showed to all of her students. When teacher assignments were sent out, every parent of an incoming first grader always hoped that it would be her name they saw when they opened the envelope. She instilled a love of reading in my son that persists to this day. If you ask him who his favorite teachers were over the years, Laura's name is always included in the list. I am so sorry for your loss. She was a truly special person who had an incredible impact on the lives of countless children. She will be so missed.
Sheila Adley
August 28, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to Laura's family and friends. Laura was my daughter's First Grade teacher. I remember Jess telling me she hoped she would be in the "cute little blonde lady's class and she has guinea pigs!" We took care of the guinea pigs over vacations and summers for many years. Jess is now going into her Sophomore year at the high school, but she would always go back to Osgood to visit Laura and her guinea pigs. Laura was an amazing teacher and person and we will deeply miss her.
marie paquet nesson
August 28, 2016
Very dear Nan--sending prayers and deepest love
Jared Alves
August 28, 2016
I am so sorry for this loss to your family. Laura was always shining bright in life. Now I hope that it gives you peace to know she will continue to shine bright as a special star in Heaven. Peace be with all family and friends of Laura.
Kevin Dwyer
August 28, 2016
My deepest condolences. I will forever remember Laura as my Clara in Nutcracker. I was so excited when I found out we had been cast together. She was the girl I was hoping to be cast with. She made those rehearsals and performances so fun and special. I will always remember those days with such fondness. Sending my love to the Keatings.
August 28, 2016
So very sorry for your and your families loss. I am sending thoughts and prayers to you in this difficult time, Love, Maggie
The Babka Family
August 28, 2016
We were so blessed to have had Laura as first grade teacher for our son. Her classroom was full of the love of learning and an unquestionable respect between the students - Laura taught them this, it was a great gift from her. She will be remembered also for her hugs, she always had one ready for all of us -students and parents. The school will miss her dearly. Our condolences and prayers for healing peace go out to her family and all who knew her.
August 28, 2016
Sorry for your loss. May Laura's memory be eternal. The Condrick family: Joe, Lovie and Elizabeth
Michael Quinlan
August 27, 2016
Sorry for your loss chris keating,mike quinlan,and kristen(sharp) quinlan send our deepest condolences to you and your family.
August 27, 2016
Jen and family
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Love
Olga and Hannah Rich
Matt Zilinskas
August 27, 2016
Laura was one of the best people I ever met. I first became friends with her our freshman year at UCONN back in 1989 and she remained one of my best friends during our 4 years there. Even though many years have past since that time, she has always remained in my thoughts and I always considered her a dear friend and special person. I have always loved her and she will always have a special place in my heat. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. I will never forget Little Laura.
S. Fairhurst
August 27, 2016
My deepest condolences to the Keating family. I danced at Children's Ballet Workshop I remember when Laura danced as Clara, such a beautiful dancer and reading these word a beautiful person.
August 27, 2016
So very sorry to hear of your loss! Please accept our deepest sympathy. May time heal .....
Amy and Stan Goldberg
Rick Holmes
August 27, 2016
The news of your passing has left me deeply saddened, but far from speechless. I only knew Laura for a short time, but her memory stays vivid with me to this day. We became friends in the Netherlands at Kasteel Well back in the Fall of 1992. We traveled to Salzburg, Austria together and took in the majestic beauty of the Swiss Alps. Laura's personality was just so bright! She shined! So excited about telling a story, or finding out what was around the next corner! We laughed and laughed on a guided tour of Salzburg and rode the Alpine Slides. Funny story. Laura, our friend Rita and I decided to take a "sound of music" tour. The tour bus was overbooked, so the company arranged a 'personal' tour on in a small van. The driver was a man from New Zealand, who had only been in Salzburg for six months. We got in the van, and began to drive. Just ten minutes in, the driver told us to look at a rolling meadow on the hillside ahead of us. He said, 'Remember the hill that Julie Andrews" twirls down singing "The Hills are Alive...!" at the beginning of the movie? Laura yelled out, 'Yes! That's the hill!' Our driver turned to her, smiled, and said, 'No. That's the hill we tell the tourists on the bus is in the movie, but the REAL hill is about 30 minutes away!' We all laughed, and then the driver took us to an alpine slide. It was a wonderful trip made even better by Laura's beautiful eyes and smile. Everyone in our class just loved her and she will ALWAYS be in my mind in the mountains of Salzburg. God Bless.
-Rick Holmes, Emerson College, Kasteel Well, Autumn, 1992.
Monica Baum
August 27, 2016
To the Keating Family
Our sincere condolences for the devastating loss of Laura. I was fortunate to have not only graduated with Jen and Laura from HHS (class of '89) but met Laura again as she worked with my husband at the Joseph Osgood School in Cohasset.
The first time I saw Laura in recent years - she was juggling a guinea pig habitat along with a book-bag pocketbook etc. It was the last day before April vacation and one of her students was getting the privilege of pet sitting for the week. Even though Laura probably wanted to begin her vacation immediately, she came over and greeted me with a huge smile. I am very sad for everyone for this inexplicable loss; especially for Laura whose life ended too soon.
Our deepest sympathies
Monica (Clark) and Robert Baum
Liz, Jenny, Chris and Laura
Cathy Keating
August 27, 2016
Kel Hinkle
August 27, 2016
One of my earliest memories is of Laura, Jen, and myself playing together. It's memories like those that will always make me smile, despite such a profound loss.
I am profoundly grateful that Liz found me, allowing me to reconnect with people who meant everything to me in my childhood. I wish I could've had more time with Laura, but I am blessed to have found her at all. I wish I had the right words to ease the pain of her family, but they don't exist. So instead, I'll just send all the love I have in my heart.
The Staff of Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home
August 27, 2016
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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