Claire Marie Keenan

Claire Marie Little Keenan went to be with the Lord on November 15, 2024, at 2:16pm surrounded by family. Claire was born on November 5, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York to John (Jake) Aloysius Little and Ann Marie Butler Little. She was the youngest daughter of three. She grew up in Brooklyn with her two sisters Joan and Barbara, who affectionately called her “Missy”.

She graduated from Fontbonne Hall – a private all-girls high school- where she also excelled on the basketball team as a point guard all 4 years. She talked fondly of her childhood and going to the beach with her church group friends. She fell in love with Charles George Keenan who was stationed in Brooklyn with the United States Navy. They shared how they would meet on Friday nights at the club on base to dance the night away. They got married at St. Patrick’s church in Brooklyn, New York on October 5, 1957. They had 6 children: Charles Edward (Charlie), Therese Marie (Teri), Margaret Mary, Kathleen Ann (Ka), Christine Claire, and John George. Young Charlie was her #1 helper growing up- Claire would smile reminiscing about him making trips to the corner store for sandwiches and groceries. Being a Navy wife had its challenges, but Claire rose to the occasion and was a very dedicated and supportive wife and mother.

The family moved to Phoenix, Arizona from Staten Island, New York in 1972. They lived in Moon Valley where the kids thrived and enjoyed their beautiful home and swimming pool, riding bikes and making nice family memories. Each year Claire and Charlie loaded up all 6 kids and their dogs to go camping in San Diego or in the mountains in Arizona. Those memories were the highlight of their youth. Claire was a fantastic cook and she would make a big family dinner every night. She subscribed to Bon Appetit magazine and would try various delicious recipes over the years.

As the children grew up and moved away, Claire and Charlie sold their family home in Moon Valley in1988 and moved to Happy Trails Resort in Surprise, AZ. There they enjoyed wonderful friendships, golfing, quilt clubs and began a love for travelling. They especially loved to go on cruises- Alaska being the highlight. Spending summers in Coronado, CA with their daughter Kathleen was also a time they cherished. Claire cooked fabulous meals and was known for her famous paella dish. Claire enjoyed attending theater performances, quilting, sewing, crafting, and making Halloween costumes for her grandchildren. She gifted her beautiful quilts to family and friends over the years, surely cherished by all. Claire and Charlie often took trips to Laughlin, Nevada too - staying at Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort with their sons Charlie and John and many family members. They loved the Gourmet Room, movies, bingo and Keno- Claire’s favorite game.

Claire was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She will be missed dearly by her children, Grandchildren (Meghan, Sean, Michael, Danielle, Richard, Mary Kate, Colleen, Mikey, Claire, Katie, Bobby, Timmy, Antonio, Marisol, Robert, Joseph, Jennifer and Katherine) and Great Grandchildren (Aiden, Quinn, Mila, Sofia, Greyson, Claire, Ryan, Amelia, Rayleigh, Charlotte and Addison).

Claire is predeceased by her husband Charles George Keenan, her son Charles Edward Keenan, and her sister Joan Little Donahue. She will be dearly missed by her sister Barbara Little Wengler of Long Island, NY, daughter Teri (Richard) Wilson of Avondale, AZ, daughter-in-law Tammy Sue Keenan of Las Vegas, NV, daughter Kathleen (Robert) Ferrar of Coronado, CA, daughter Margaret (Mike) Planeta of Surprise, AZ, daughter Christine (Marcos) Keenan Silva of Gilbert, AZ, son John Keenan and wife Robbie of San Diego, CA, and her 18 grandchildren and 11 great- grandchildren.

Claire was a devout Catholic and she and Charlie were members of Saint Clare’s Parish in Surprise, AZ where they were fortunate to be a part of the planning, fundraising and building of the beautiful Church which stands today.

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields, And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the soul of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.