Florence E. Keras

Florence E. (Mahoney) Keras, formerly of Whitman, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 10, 2014, after a challenging few years with COPD and emphysema. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 54 years, Joseph Keras, and three sisters, Agnes Brennan, Helen Vaughan, and Ann Tonello. Florence is survived by her beloved brother Robert Mahoney; her sister-in-law, Frances Mahoney; and her brother-in-law, Vincent Tonello. She is also survived by her eight children and their families, Kathleen Teahan of Harwich Port, Eileen and Richard Kenealy of Whitman, Ann Sweeney of Falmouth, Sheila and Christopher Asselin of Goffstown, N.H., Neil and Marie Keras of Falmouth, Anthony and Lori Keras of Marshfield, Mary and Dan Pimental of Falmouth, and Elizabeth and David Dmitruk of Taunton. Florence and Joe leave a beautiful legacy of 25 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and one great great-grandson. From the East Coast to the West Coast and from north to south, Florence leaves nieces, nephews and cousins whom she loved dearly. She dedicated her life to her family. Mrs. Keras was born October 23, 1923, to John Joseph and Helen Marie (Wall) Mahoney in Franklin. She was a 1941 graduate of Franklin High School and became a hairdresser after continuing her education at the Dr. Evelyn Ryan Murphy School of Cosmetology, Brockton. She was a devoted parishioner of St. Anthonys Catholic Church, Falmouth, and Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Whitman. Florence was a member of the Falmouth Friday Quilters who donated their quilted creations to hospitalized or sick children who needed some extra love, and she baked cupcakes and served meals at Around the Table, a soup kitchen in Falmouth. Funeral services for Florence will be held Wednesday, December 17, at 8:15 a.m. from the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 at the rotary), Whitman, followed by a funeral Mass at 9 a.m. in the Holy Ghost Church, School Street, Whitman. Visiting hours are Tuesday, December 16, from 4-8 p.m. Family and friends welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Whitman Food Pantry, 518 Washington Street, Whitman, MA 02382 or VNA of Cape Cod Hospice and Palliative Care, P.O. Box 370, Hyannis, MA 02601. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.blanchardfc.com.