Geraldine "Geri" Beneventure Keen

Geri was born and raised in Essexville, Michigan before moving to Washington, DC where she met her husband Edward Shain Keen. Geri and Ed were married in 1956 and prior to settling in Knoxville to raise their family spent years living in Iowa, Washington, South Dakota, New York and Alabama. Geri and Ed first moved to Knoxville in 1973 where they spent 12 years before moving to San Francisco, California and then Kennewick, Washington. Geri and Ed eventually returned to Knoxville in 1999 to be nearer to their children and grandchildren while also splitting time in Naples, Florida. Geri was an avid bridge player who loved organizing estate sales with friends and serving her church. She was a devout Catholic who passionately volunteered her time as a Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) coordinator and an organizer of charity sales for the local diocese. Geri traveled the world visiting Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East but was happiest when she was with friends and family telling stories, laughing and playing cards.

Geri is preceded in death by her husband Ed; parents Joseph and Josephine (Styma) Ratajczak; and her sister Germaine Gwisdala. She is survived by her children Ann Taylor (Knoxville, TN), Robert and wife Karen (Knoxville, TN), Bill and wife Rowena (Atlanta, GA). She is also survived by his grandsons, Michael (Oshkosh, WI), Matthew (Seoul, Korea), Nicholas Taylor (Knoxville, TN); and granddaughters, Lauren (Nashville, TN), Jessica and Elizabeth Keen (Atlanta, GA).

The family will be receiving friends at Berry Highland Memorial on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 from 5:00-7:00pm. A mass will be held at All Saints Catholic Church on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 1:30pm. Family and friends will reconvene at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery following the service for interment. The family would like to thank Geri’s extended family at Arbor Terrace for the care and fellowship she received while she was there.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Ladies of Charity Knoxville chapter (https://www.ladiesofcharityknox.org/support-us) or Human Animal Bond in Tennessee (HABIT) at UTK Veterinary School.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com for the Keen family.