Kathleen M. McKeown

Kathleen was born August 15, 1945 in Philadelphia to James I. and Margaret T. McKeown.

After her 1964 graduation from Bishop Egan High School, Kathleen entered the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul in Maryland. There she served as a childcare provider. She simultaneously pursued her associate’s degree in nursing from Maria College. She earned her bachelor’s in nursing from Alfred University, fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a registered nurse.

In Thailand, Kathleen rendered loving care to children and adult victims of Pol Pot’s Cambodian genocide. She did so against a backdrop of gunfire. Undaunted, she applied her faith and humor to assuage fear in those around her. Concurrent letters to her family and her religious community attest to this.

After 25 years in the community, Kathleen moved to Massachusetts. She was employed by the Commonwealth’s Health and Human Services division. During her time in state government, Kathleen was twice recognized for her contributions by the state’s governor. The first recognition was for her leadership in revamping the HHS division’s technology system. This engendered a major decrease in state expenditures. Later, Kathleen received Governor Charlie Baker’s citation for her 27 years of service to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

In Boston, Kathleen maintained close friendships with her co-workers, Suzanne and David. Eventually, Kathleen assumed an executive role in the management of her department.

After 27 years, Kathleen retired to Pennswood Village in Newtown Pennsylvania. She loved her life and new-found friends: especially Jack and Barbara. Kathleen embraced life; she loved music, dance and Broadway shows. She related her affinity for Ireland after her solo European excursion. Later, she and her sister Eileen enjoyed a Disney vacation together. These sojourns were among her most cherished memories.

Kathleen is pre-deceased by James I, and Margaret T McKeown; as well as her nephew, James Quinn. She is survived by her siblings: James J McKeown of Allentown, Pa., Eileen McKeown, of Newtown, Pa., Dennis McKeown (Elaine) of Bensalem, Pa., Mary Hughes of Doylestown, Pa., Margery Cottrell (Robert) of Hamilton, NJ. Kathleen is also survived by many nieces and nephews as well as four beloved grandnieces. She leaves behind her feline companion of 16 years, Kaylee; the heart of her heart.

While deeply saddened by her loss; we celebrate and hold dear Kathleen’s well-lived life.

Family and friends are invited to her Mass of Christian burial on Friday, April 14, 2023 at Saint Andrew’s Catholic Church, 81 Swamp Rd., Newtown, PA. All wishing to share condolences with family may arrive at 10:30 a.m. prior to the 11 a.m. Mass.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kathleen's name to a Children's Charity of the donor's choice.