Kathryn L. "Kate" Keenan

Everyone who visited Kathryn Keenan in her Ocean Grove, New Jersey, home was invited on up to her favorite place: her front porch. Family and friends sat with Kate on her red rocking chairs, catching up and commenting on this and that or whatever Kate decided was just a "big bag of nothing." Neighbors, kids, bicyclists, and beachgoers all got a smile and a wave from the "mayor" of the block. Kate was much beloved in the community she moved to in her 90s. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Marion (Starkey) and David Lane, Kate grew up in Hillsdale, New Jersey, with sisters Mary (Wellington), Loretto (Armstrong) and brother David. After graduating from St. Joseph's College in Emmitsburg, Maryland, she returned to Hillsdale and commuted to Wall Street, where she worked as a secretary. One rainy night, she accepted a ride home from the train station from David Keenan, a handsome young local man with a second-hand, green-and-white Cadillac. The two fell in love, married, and raised six children together. Kate became a popular elementary school teacher at St. John the Baptist in Hillsdale. David came over to have lunch with her at school every day. The couple was inseparable for more than 50 years, until David's death in 2005. Kate had an infectious laugh and enjoyed being with her family, especially when babies and little kids were involved. She was an avid reader and well-known at her local libraries. She also loved to knit and turned out dozens of little caps for newborns, which she donated to hospitals. Wherever she lived, there were always decorations and sweet treats at the holidays and she baked fabulous brownies for any occasion. Throughout her life, Kate said the rosary every day; her deep-seated Catholicism was so clearly evident in the kind and accepting way she treated everyone. She is survived by her sister Retta; children Sheila Keenan, wife of Kevin Duggan, Monica Cliggott, wife of the late Dick Cliggott, Brian Keenan, husband of Anne Kraus-Keenan, Mary Ellen Rose, wife of the late Tom Rose, James Keenan, husband of Susan Keenan, Margaret Finnerty, wife of Michael Finnerty; grandchildren Tom Cliggott and his fiancé Erin Pursell, James Cliggott, Kaitlynn Rose and her partner Travis Jayne, Nolan Finnerty, husband to Sonam, Justin Finnerty, husband to Hannah, Patrick Keenan, Emma Keenan; and great-grandchildren Liam, Kaylee, and Rowan Finnerty. Kathryn Keenan answered to many names in her family: Katsy, Kate, Mother, Mom, Mommy, Grandma Kate or Gammerz-and she always responded with love. Private services are planned.