Obituary of Clara Keenan

With pride and love, we announce that our mother, Clara Marie Keenan, has been granted her last wish to be re-united with her beloved husband, Edmund John, on Thursday, August 18, 2016. She was called to him at St. Andrew’s Residence, Chatham. Born on February 13, 1920 in Ichtegem, Belgium, her and her family immigrated to Canada in May 1923 and settled in the Chatham area. After a trip to Port Stanley in 1942, she met the love of her life, Ed. They married in 1943 and enjoyed 56 years together, raising 7 children. Clara and her butter tarts will be missed by: Larry & Sandy of Dealtown, Brian & Joanne of Merlin, Bob & Chris of Rondeau, Brad & Janette of London, Cathy & Rick Schneider of Chatham, Pat Meloche of Alliston, and Jane & Dan Munroe of Ridgetown. Also missing grandma are 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren: Shelley & Terry Wallace, Stephanie & Mark Gauthier (children Brayden & Taylor), Shaun & Lisa Keenan (son Boden), Kelly Keenan, Lynette & Vince Vitale (daughter Izabella), Lori Keenan, Kim & Dave Wieringa (daughter Kaelynn), Terri Schneider (partner Mike), Eric Meloche, Danielle Meloche (partner Cody), Kristyn Munroe (partner Matthew), Nicholas and Matthew Munroe; as well as several step grandchildren and great grandchildren from the Averill and Swayze family. Also survived by cherished nephew Randy (Shelley) Casier, and niece Diane (Scott) Brodie; daughter-in-laws Doreen Keenan and Verna Keenan, son-in-law Marc Meloche, as well as many Keenan nieces, nephews, and sister-in-laws. Clara also leaves behind many dear friends and staff members at St. Andrew’s Residence. Clara was a life long member of the St. Ursula CWL, and President of the St. Ursula Parent and Teacher Association, and the Chatham-Kent Association for the Deaf. She was an avid seamstress and knitter with many people having enjoyed her talents. Mom also loved her cards, both euchre and pepper. Waiting for her to start the next game is Ed, and her brother Mike (Nancy) Casier, and 3 precious angels who will no doubt be learning from the best. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the amazing care and love that she received at St. Andrew’s Residence, as well as Dr. A. Morand and the CKHA ER Department. Friends and relatives may visit at the Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham (519-352-5120) on Sunday August 21, 2016 from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 pm, where Vigil and Catholic Women’s League Prayers will be offered at 3 pm. Friends are asked to gather on Monday, August 22, 2016 at 9:30 AM in St. Ursula’s Church for shared memories followed by Funeral Mass at 10:00 am. Burial will be in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Andrew’s Foundation would be appreciated.