Susan Keelan

This is the basis of what was spoken at the end of Sue's Tribute Assembly, Friday Jan. 30 ,2009



Carrying On
In Memory of Mme Keelan

It has been an extremely harrowing experience these past three months and I can not adequately express the the impact on myself, our families, relatives and friends,and on our family here at Southwood School. It has only been the support of this entire school community, from the parents, children, and the staff of this second home of ours, that is helping me to get through this most difficult tragedy and continue the legacy that Mme Keelan has left behind. She has retired from all of us and it is now up to us to continue to uphold her standards and live by many lessons she taught over the many years at Southwood. We have all had teachers who we remember- those who served us well in our quest for knowledge and maturity.
From the early days of teaching French on rotary, there were the French cafés, the fashion shows, and the Winter Carnival with Bonhomme. She organized or worked on the Penny Carnivals, the Activity days in the Spring Assemblies, and School plays. One play blossomed to include the whole school in a production in 1997, when Mme Keelan directed, and with the help of the Southwood staff, parents, myself, and our daughter , she produced the play “Jenny and The Jabberwock”. This play about literacy was such a hit that a director visiting Windsor to watch the play took the costumes created by parents, and the ideas of the set to her own theatre. She had the play performed professionally the next season.
Together Mme Keelan and I have provided the music for several Spring Get togethers , and Graduation Assemblies. While working with the senior students, she chaperoned trips to Toronto, Quebec City, Chicago, and Camp Henry.
In her early years, she worked on the French Curriculum, and was one of the original six from Windsor to develop, train, and present the VIP program in Grade 6 in Windsor.
Grade three trips to the Water festival, Park Homestead, Hillman Marsh, and Fort Malden were often taken on to round out her program and provide the extra support to her teaching. Her knitting Clubs focused attention onto the craft and gave students the added attention and time to develop new skills.
So each school year brought new challenges and she rallied to continue teaching in excellence. But she was never alone. She always was surrounded by a closely-knit professional staff that has continued to tackle each challenge and provide the education in this school which is equal to none. To attest to this, is the number of returning students that drop in to visit with the staff that were here when they attended Southwood.
Each new staff member has quickly become an active participant and carried on the torch for those who had left. By this, the staff is a family in every way. Work is done together, and everyone is supportive of each other.
Outside of school, Mme Keelan showed the same exhuberance in the renovation of our century farmhouse. She raised our children with the same desires and energy to do well and continue on in their careers.
Developments inside and outside of the house could have been showpieces in a magazine. People would stop in to photograph her flowers or just spend time in her gardens or by the ponds and pool. She also had a knack for decorating and organizing family get togethers on holidays, etc.
Mme Keelan became a willing equal partner as we headed to the N.W.T. to teach at the end of the earth, so her grandparents thought. The two years in Pangnirtung, on Baffin Island, were filled with the adventures of the North. The traditions were quickly accepted and with an interpreter, her year as a Kindergarten teacher was as effective as her years here in Grade Three.
In Fort Smith, N.W.T., she stayed home with our young family and operated a daycare program enriching both the lives of our own children and those who also attended. There were trips by dogteam, and visits in the area that made for fond memories as she and our family adapted to life in the bush.
In the past five years, Mme Keelan enjoyed her role as grandmother. deriving great joy from being with our grandkids, and helping to instill the love of learning as well as a love for literature. She was there for our daughters as they grew into their roles as mothers, and readily accepted their spouses into our family with the same unconditional love that she showed in her many years of teaching. She was there for her neice and another family member in their pursuit to become teachers.
So this tribute to Mme Keelan will continue to be shown in the way each and every one of us moves down our path of life carrying the lessons and example that she has presented to each of you.
When you are ready, turn your sadness into the new hope for the future. Recognize the good in all of your teachers here at Southwood, for they too are your family, and have experienced the same thoughts and feelings of loss as you have. When Mme Keelan entered your life there were no guarantees on how long she would stay. When someone leaves it creates a huge void in your life, but you must reach out to those around you to help fill that void and it will help you get over missing her as you see the good things in your school and see the same values in the other teachers and adults in this community of Southwood. It is in the development of your strengths, interests, talents, and abilities, that you show your thanks to those who teach you. Remember all of your teachers as you look back on your school days here at Southwood. I know Mme Keelan is watching us from the sidelines and cheering us on as we continue our lives and dreams.
Thank-you for your support and caring on behalf of myself, my son and my daughters' families, our families of her brother, and their relatives. Thank-you to all of the staff and students here with this tribute and fine performances that we have seen today.

During my last trip to Windsor I was sad to hear about the passing of my ex-french teacher Mme. Keelan. She worked alongside my mother at Southwood School for a number years, always bringing a big smile and cheer to every classroom she walked into. She was a great teacher and friend to many, her presents will surly be missed. My Parents and I send our deepest sympathy to her family and know that she will be dearly missed by all.

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of such a wonderful caring and thoughtful women/teacher. My son Tyler was taught by her, when we met she was supportive and very patient and sweet. I know she is one of the teachers my son and I will always remember. She is in our hearts. Our thoughts go out to you and your family....

Mr Keelan

Zackary and Michael wanted you to know just how much they loved and adored your wonderful wife both as a teacher and a friend, When ever there was a problem she always took the time to call me and ask my opinion on the situation before we came up with a solution. She was a teacher mentor and friend, and she will be greatly missed. The school has truly lost a great treasure

You are in ours hearts and prayers always

The LaChance Family

Dear Mr. keelan

I'm deeply sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

Keelan Family
I wanted to send my deepest sympathies to the family. You are in my prayers during this difficult time.

Ever since I graduated from Southwood, I never said good bye to her, but I was hoping one day I could. However when I heard about her passing, I was shocked about the sudden tragedy. I knew her as my grade 3 teacher who was caring, thoughtful and kind teacher. I just want to say that this is such a sad thing that has happened but I wish the best to her on her journey to heaven and to her family and close friends as thy go through these tough times. God Bless and I hope things get better.

Keelan family,
I've very sorry to hear about your loss. Mrs. Keelan was a fabulous teacher of mine from Southwood and she has always stuck out as one of the best teachers I had growing up.
Krista, I know it's been a while but I want you to know that I'm thinking of you during this sad time.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it to the funeral as I didn't find out in time, but you will all be in my thoughts.

To Mr. Keelan and loved family, it's with my deepest thoughts and love that I express the way we all love Mrs. Keelan. As many of the students and Southwood School, we all knew her as the best grade 3 teacher ever, but she was more than that, she was the person you could talk to, the person that we give up her time just for you, she will be and always in our hearts, loved forever and ever.

We were sad to learn about Mme Keelan passing. Although we are not in Windsor now, we still feel close to the Southwood community. On behalf of my parents (John and Diane) and my brothers and sisters (Sally, Ben, Matt, and Jen) please accept our condolences.

Death is nothing at all,
I have only slipped away into the next room,
I am I and you are you;
Whatever we were to each other, That we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name,
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used,
Put no difference in your tone,
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we shared together.
Let my name ever be the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant,
It is the same as it ever was, there is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.
All is well.

-Henry Scott Holland, Canon of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London

It is always so difficult to understand and cope when a special light goes out in this world. Still she will shine for you in the next and guide you on your path. Let her be that soft quiet voice on your shoulder. She will be greatly missed and was truly loved in this world. The woman with the voice on an angel will now be singing with a choir of them. Much love to you all and our deepest sympathies.

Dear Krista and Mr. Keelan
I heard about your mom (and wife) today and I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure your wonderful memories of her will keep alive in all our hearts forever

To the Keelan Family,
I was a student of Mme. Keelan for nine years at Southwood Elementary School. She was a wonderful teacher and I will always remember her beautiful singing voice.
My deepest sympathies are with you at this time.

We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with the family at this time of sorrow.
With sympathy, Diane & Frank Lago & Celeste Bresolin and Family

Gerry and Family,
It has been 10 years since I left Windsor as a teacher but have some wonderful memories working with Sue in the days of Oakwood, later at Southwood.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Judy pichowski (nee mereshka, Hodgson)

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Deb & Glenn
I wish to express my deepest sympathy for you and your family during this very difficult time. My thoughts are with you.
Michele Merrells

Dear Keelan family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies. I was so fortunate to be a student of Mme. Keelan for my nine years at Southwood. She was such a wonderful teacher, who will be very sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Please accept our deepest sympathies for the loss of Madame Keelan. We are a former Southwood family and my daughter was blessed to have Mme as her teacher. Riley speaks of that year with great fondness. Our prayers go out to you and your entire family.
The Beach Family

Sue was a fantastic teacher and a terrific Mom and friend. At this time,
my heart and prayers are with you all - Gerry, Chris, Jennifer, Deborah and Krista. May your wonderful memories help you through this sad time. Love to you all,

Krista and Family:

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mr. Keelan, We wish to express our deepest heart felt sympathy for you and your familiy. We knew Mrs. Keelan as a teacher and greatly appreciated all her efforts, she is a wonderfull Teacher, it is a big loss for our education system and for our kids. Our prayers & thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

We only had the pleasure of meeting Susan once, at the marriage of her daughter Deborah to Glenn.
We found her to be a warm, caring and fun loving person, and our hearts go out to you in your sad loss.

Bill and Marilyn Preston
Guelph, ON.

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.eventhough we didn't get to come and visit often we will always have fond memories of the good times spent when we were there love from all of mike,sophie,pasha,charlie,emily,joe,tina keelan

Gerry,
It was a shock to learn of Susan's sudden passing.
On the few occasions that we had an opportunity to see her, Sue was always a gracious and fun person to be with. Murray and I wish to extend our sympathy and prayers to you and your family as you struggle with your loss.

Mr Keelan,
There are no words to describe the emotion our family feels for you at this time. We are very sorry for the loss of your best friend. Mme Keelan will be deeply missed by our family,she touched our children in a special way...The nine years that we knew her.. Was very special. She will never be forgotten..May you have the strength to get through this horrible time our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hopefully you will have the heart to stay active with the Southwood families.

My deepest sympathy to the Keelan family,Susan will be missed.
Laura Drouin