Ellen Keegan, 64, a longtime resident of Wappingers Falls, N.Y. and a recent resident of Boothbay Harbor, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family after a long and valiant struggle with breast cancer.
She was born on June 6, 1946 in Brooklyn, N.Y. She attended Bishop McDonnell High School. Upon graduation she entered the work force as an administrative assistant in social research.
Prior to her career as a full time mom and homemaker, Ellen was employed by the Ford Foundation in New York City. Her involvement with this philanthropic organization was the spring board for her commitment to a variety of social causes including poverty, literacy, children’s health and well being and social equality.
After her children were grown, she returned to the work force working in the admissions office at Marist College for 10 years.
Ellen’s number one love was her family. She loved nothing better than time spent with her children and grandchildren, it was her greatest pleasure.
She is predeceased by her mother, Dorothy Niewiadomski and uncle, John Welby.
She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Michael Keegan of Boothbay Harbor; daughters, Jennifer Sanborn and husband Patrick of Alna and Kara Keegan-Staff and husband Lt. Nate Staff of Port Orchard, Wash.; son, Dan Keegan of Astoria, N.Y.; grandchildren, Emily, Tristam, Kathyrn and Aidan Sanborn, all of Alna, and Gavin Porter Staff of Port Orchard, Wash.; sister, Cathy Ahlborn and husband Bob of Highlands, N.J.; as well as a large and loving mix of family and friends.
Visiting hours 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Mon., April 25 at Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home, 975 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay. Funeral mass 11 a.m., Tues., April 26 at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Atlantic Ave., Boothbay Harbor. Father Fred Morse will officiate. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery in Boothbay.
Should friends desire, contributions may be made in Ellen’s memory to Miles/St. Andrews Home Health Hospice, Miles Development Office, 35 Miles St., Damariscotta, ME 04543.
You are invited to share your condolences, photos, and memories with the Keegan family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Boothbay.
