"Dear, dear Judy ... it was 20 years ago when we first met and I remember it like it was yesterday. You were my cooperating teacher in 1993; me, a single Mom struggling to make a career for my self; you, a warmhearted professional with more knowledge under your belt than I could possibly envision. You had such patience with me ... more than once, I had to be late for first bell because I had to get my two little ones on the school bus. You made accommodations because that's how you rolled - with your heart first. I watched you in the classroom with such admiration. You researched everything before presenting, always fact checked, had such a natural command of the class. But what I noticed most of all was your connection to the students. You kept them inline, but could belly laugh with the rest of them. Your laugh, lol, your laugh .... I only have to think of you to hear your laugh. It was so genuine, so wonderful, so innocent ... pure as a child's. I'm teaching in your old classroom in the high school ... and not a day goes by that I am not reminded of you in some way. I reach for a reference book on art history and it's marked "Keenan" in bold lettering (remember when you invented your own font? I do!). I often look at the desks and think I'd better clean them, Judy would always have the room spotless. When I work on the art curriculum, I hold you (and Lucille) as the ideal, the judges, the standard to be met. And day after day, I sit at your desk, teach in your room, and do my best to instruct the students the way you taught me - in 1993. Of course I can't think about you and Lucille without also thinking of Barbara and Carol. The four of you, always in my mind's eye together. Four strong women. Four woman who love each other unconditionally, live life fearlessly, and always have each others' backs. That's pure gold. It will always be the four of you. Now and forever. Love never dies. Jennifer, I'm sorry for your Mom's passing. You know she thought the world of you ... and Doug and Braden and Sierra. You all were her life. The stars in her eyes. And now she's with the stars in the heavens ... continuing to love and laugh and watch over us.I'll never forget you, Judy.Susan Sward"
In loving memory of
Judith A. Keenan
July 2, 1949 - February 22, 2013
Portsmouth, RI - Judith A. (Korn) Keenan, 63, of Portsmouth died Saturday, February 23, 2013, at Newport Hospital after a long battle with cancer.Born July 2, 1949 in Beaver Falls, PA, she is the daughter of the late John and Mary (Taylor) Korn. She was the former wife of John Keenan, Jr.She retired from West Warwick High School after 28 years as an art teacher. At the time of her death, she was employed as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Business Studies and Economics at Salve Regina University in Newport, RI, where she instructed for the past 14 years. She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer K. Bonoff and her husband Doug of Portsmouth, RI; her sister Linda Mackenstein of Ellwood City, PA; two brothers: Jack Korn of Wexford, PA, and Chris Korn of State College, PA; as well as two grandchildren, Sierra Bonoff and Braden Bonoff both of Portsmouth, RI.Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a service beginning at 6 p.m.at Memorial Funeral Home at 375 Broadway in Newport, RI.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society of Rhode Island, 931 Jefferson Blvd., Suite 3004, Warwick, RI 02886. Visitation FEB 27. 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Service FEB 27. 06:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com
Tributes
"Our prayers and heartfelt sympathy to Jennifer and her family. Bob and Carol Onysko"
"1 file added to the album New Album Name"
"Judy (Mrs. Keenan) represented various people in my life, from being my art teacher, to that friendly face that I'd see at church every week, to someone that became like a second mom to me. Although I haven't seen her much lately because I've moved out of state, I was able to keep in connection with her through FB. I will miss her deeply, and my thoughts and prayers go out to Jenn and her family. Josh Orlando"
"Dear Judy,You and I have said many times that life is really very simple for all of us. We're born, we live, and we die. But that doesn't make it any easier to let go, especially when someone like you has lived such a life of worth. Since your passing I've been reflecting on all of our years together. What an amazing team we were. We grew together as young women, as wives, as mothers, as teachers, as passionate learners and leaders. We changed an arts program that was virtually non-existent to a complex curriculum that inspired our students and our colleagues all through our professional career. You made me behave, and I made you laugh. You were always the angel and I, the devil. We brought thousands together to celebrate life's aesthetic through the "May Fest", numerous fundraisers (like the insane "Through The Doors" concert), annual exhibits, competitions, Yearbook advisory, Varsity Reviews and actively promoted the bond for the West Warwick High addition. And let's not forget the grants for technology. It just never stopped. From correcting my spelling to controlling my temper you helped and inspired me all along the way.We were like sisters after the workday ended, and I was the bad seed! LOL. We knew every secret, every flaw, and every virtue that no one else knew about us. We shared our sorrows, our triumphs and our children, from Jennifer's birth to her graduation from Yale. I'll always remember Friday at Friday's, the trips to Pennsylvania, Bonnet Shores, hikes to Massachusetts for stained glass, New Haven, Barbara's beautiful snow villa in New Hampshire, my beach shack at Galilee... and on and on.You have been just amazing during your 14 years at Salve and you did it all while fighting cancer. I know it brings you great satisfaction to have inspired thousands of students throughout your life.Over the past few weeks I told you I loved you and I always will. We both only wished that Braden and Sierra had more time with you. Yet you know as well as I that Jennifer has your soul within her. Through your spirit she, with Doug's support, will raise her babies that you love so much, to be kind, curious, fun loving, productive adults like their grandmother.Looking forward to talking to you forever.Loose-wheel"
"Beautiful sentiments! You said it all and so eloquently! xoxo Barbara"
"Such beautiful words with so much love. She will always be looking over all of us. Jane Drechsler"
"Gayle lit a candle in memory of Judith A. Keenan"
"My prayers and thoughts are with you, what a beautiful woman."
"My condolences to the Keenan family. I WENT to high school with Judy,Lincoln High, Ellwood City ,Pa. We were in several art classes together.She could always make you feel comfortable. She will be deeply missed."
"I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Judy's passing -- I just sent her an e-mail yesterday! We both started teaching at Salve the same year, and she was my biggest supporter. I was always amazed at how great she looked, especially at 8 am, but she told me that after teaching art for 28 years she enjoyed dressing up. She was a thoroughly wonderful person with a great sense of humor, so proud of her daughter and madly in love with her grandchildren. Judy will be sorely missed, but forever in the hearts of those she touched. My sincere sympathy."
"I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the Keenan family. May those precious memories of your dear loved one Judith be foremost in your hearts and minds along with this wonderful promise that Jesus made at John 5:28,29. Again, my sincere condolences."
"Judy was one of our "gym moms" for many years, bringing her daughter Jennifer to her classes and being an involved participant in all the activities of our "gym family". Her love for and dedication to Jennifer was manifest.Judy was also a very talented artist! Among other things, she hand crafted a team banner for us (which still hangs in the gym).Jennifer, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I will always remember your mother as a wonderful, loving, and giving person.With sympathy,Rita Beaulieu Santilli"
"When I first began teaching in West Warwick Judy was assigned as my New Teacher Mentor. She visited me often and helped me to feel comfortable with my school, first year of teaching, and the Visual Arts Department in general. She was a kind and gentle mentor and fellow department member, always willing to listen and guide me to find the right answers. I truly appreciated the time out of her busy schedule that she gave to me!! God Bless you Judy!!"
"Toni (Santangelo) Mouat lit a candle in memory of Judith A. Keenan"
"Tamara Paulo lit a candle in memory of Judith A. Keenan"
"Celestial Love was purchased for the family of Judith A. Keenan."
"1 file added to the album New Album Name"
"Michelle Kelly Carlucci lit a candle in memory of Judith A. Keenan"
"I have so many fond memories and great experiences while teaching with Judith at West Warwick High School. She was a consummate professional, a great teacher. and a wonderful mother! My fondest memories were seeing Judith cry from laughter EVERY DAY during our lunch breaks with Lucille, Carol, Barbara, and Ralph...memories that will last forever! Judith you will be missed but never forgotten! God Bless...Rest in Peace. My most sincere condolences to Judith's family."