KEENAN, Mary Ann "Marion" --- 1917-2011

BUGGY, KEENAN, SCANLON, MOHN

Posted By: IA GenWeb Volunteer
Date: 6/19/2011 at 09:50:09

Marion Keenan

Marion Keenan of Waukon died peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours of Thursday, April 21, 2011, exactly one month before her 94th birthday. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 27 at St. Patrick Church in Waukon, with Father Joseph Schneider officiating. The family will greet friends and relatives at the church from 9:30 a.m. until mass begins.
Marion was born May 21, 1917 in La Crosse, WI to Thomas J. and Elizabeth Buggy Keenan. The youngest girl in a family of five children, she was the last remaining grandchild of Patrick Keenan and his wife, Catherine Scanlon Keenan. Patrick was one of the first settlers of Allamakee County and he enjoyed a reputation for fairness and honesty in dealing with the Indians as well as other settlers. As a mediator for many conflicts between whites and Indian, his word was his bond. He left a legacy of tolerance and integrity which became the legacy of his grandchildren, as well; Marion was a wonderful example of that honesty, patience, and candor.
Marion was baptized Mary Ann Keenan but over the years the names got run together, and she was called Marion. She graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Waukon and attended Waukon Junior College for two years. She lived in Waukon all her life, spending many years at Waukon Lumber Company, and later retiring as bookkeeper at the County Auditor’s office at the Allamakee County Courthouse. She donated many, many years of her talent as bookkeeper for St. Patrick’s Church and School. Baptized and confirmed there, she was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s parish, and much of her life was centered around the church.
Marion was a gentle woman who enjoyed playing cards and spending time with family and friends. She was a gifted pianist with a passionate, lifelong love of music. Liked and respected wherever she worked, the people at Waukon Assisted Living, and later at Thornton Manor in Lansing, grew to love her as well. Quiet and dignified, but gifted with a subtle sense of humor and exceptional intelligence, she was a voracious reader and was always knowledgeable (and held strong opinions) about current events.
She is survived by her sister-in-law, Mrs. Walter (Margaretta) Keenan; nieces and nephews Catherine (Tina) Keenan and Louise Keenan of La Crosse, WI, John (Pat) Keenan and Mary Ellen Mohn of Lansing, Denise (Jerry Lee Kaster) Keenan of Milwaukee, and Kevin (Maria) Keenan and Tim Keenan of Grand Junction, CO, Alene Keenan of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Patricia Keenan of Alexandria, VA and Paula Keenan of Cedar Rapids; as well as 14 great-nieces and nephews and 14 great-great-nieces and nephews.
Marion was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Margaret Keenan; and her brothers, Richard, Ralph and Walter Keenan; a sister-in-law, Barbara Keenan; a niece, Andrea Keenan; a great-niece, Jessica Mohn Hogendorn; and a great nephew, Aaron Mohn.

The Waukon Standard, April 27, 2011