Marianne L. Keany, 93, passed into eternal life, surrounded by her family, January 23, 2021. She was born in Phoenix on May 1, 1927, the fifth child of seven to Louise and Thomas C. Geare. While attending St. Mary’s grammar school and high school she was acquainted with classmate, Pat Keany. It wasn’t until he returned from the Navy after WWII that they met again at Gregg Business College and fell in love. Married in 1949, they built a life together with their eight children and were inseparable for 66 years until his death in 2015.
She was the perfect mother and grandmother. With her cheerful disposition, loving and wise advice and counsel and deep faith, she made each one who entered into her home feel like they were the only one who mattered to her. Her children and grandchildren learned kindness, compassion, generosity, patience and love from her example as well the importance of hard work.
Besides helping to build two family businesses, she also volunteered with Meals on Wheels and gave to many charitable causes. She worked for several years to build hospitals in Africa sponsored by World Mercy Fund with Fr. Tom Rooney in Alexandria, Va.
Marianne is survived by her children Janice O’Rourke (Kevin), Kevin Keany (Carey), Danny Keany, Chris Keany (Robin), Ted Keany (Julie) and Mary (Missy) Rolander (Dana) as well as her two sisters, Carolyn Westfall and Raima Pert. She is predeceased by her husband, Pat Sr., her daughter Sharon, her son Pat Jr. and her daughter-in-law Kathy. She also leaves behind 16 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank her caregivers Maria, Trisha and Yoly for helping to make her final years comfortable and secure. We owe a special debt of gratitude to two of her grandchildren, Colleen and Chris Keany for the outstanding nursing care they provided in her final days of fighting COVID at home. It was a comfort to her and all the family to have her home in her last days.
A celebration of her life will be planned for a safer time. A small funeral is planned with Visitation and Rosary at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 from 5:00-6:30 P.M. and the Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Mary’s Basilica, 231 N. Third Street, Phoenix on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 2:00 PM. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.
Dolly Rabalais
Sending Love and Prayers to the Keany family, especially Ted and Julie in the loss of your Mother. I knew her as one of the kindest, thoughtful and sweetish lady over so many years. I will always cherish our times together and how welcome Tony and I felt spending time with such a loving family. I feel sure she and Tony will reminisce in heaven.
God Bless you all,
Dolly
Rob Palmer
Our condolences and love to the entire Keany family. We loved Aunt Marianne! I truly believe Anne Pert-Palmer, who loved Marianne dearly, was waiting with Uncle Pat to welcome Marianne into heaven.
Love,
Rob, Johnny, Jake, and Gracie Palmer
Patrick, Mimi, Claire and Louise Griffin
Sending love and prayers to each one of you in the Keany family! We know your loss is tremendous as Aunt Marianne was taken too quickly! Our hearts are with you as you grieve and move through this acceptance of her no longer being here on earth! We do know, especially by the double rainbow that Chris captured in the moment she arrived in heaven, that she was welcomed there with big open arms by all our loved ones who have gone ahead of her. Although we know she is now happy in heaven, it is most difficult for all her loved ones left here on earth . An angel has been gained to watch over from above, who will guide and protect going forward with God’s mercy and love! We loved your mom and grandma SO much and treasure all the sweet memories spent in her presence. Her love for God was apparent in her joy and generous heart! Her imparted wisdom and inner strength was shared daily with those around her. She blessed all who she touched. We will miss her greatly and her beautiful, warm smile!
Sr. Margaret Mancuso
We send our deepest sympathy to Marianne’s family, especially Janice and Kevin. We prayed for your mother and all of her loved ones at morning prayer this past week. What an amazing woman and role model for others! We were blessed to be touched by her kindness and love.
Now you have a heavenly advocate as Marianne enjoys the fullness of life!
Peace and prayers,
Sr. Margaret, Faculty, Staff & Students at Nazareth Elementary