Nancy Keenan

She was born December 12, 1932, the daughter of Mark and Henrietta (Eastwood) Gifford. Nancy was the beloved wife of the late Hubert Anthony Keenan for nearly fifty years, having met while they attended the University of Rhode Island where she was a member of Sigma Kappa. Friends and family all knew Nancy to lighten up any room with her smile, and warm each gathering with her heart. She was steadfast in her devotion to her family, from raising five children in the early years to being the matriarch that her family grew around through the years. This growth in her clan occurred both in terms of numbers of dear in-laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as, in the inner strength that she quietly fostered in all her family. In a few words, her love and compassion were never in short supply.

Nancy enjoyed gardening, sewing, and being active in her community. She was a member of the Sudbury Villagers Club, Sudbury United Methodist Church, Sudbury Swim & Tennis Club, and the Sudbury Senior Center, where she also volunteered as a FISH driver for other seniors. She was also active in the Wayland Senior Center. In her later years, she had many adventures and memorable vacations as a result of these connections.

Nancy is remembered for her grace and empathy, as well as her ability to nurture these important traits in others. When her family hears appreciation for her caring ways and joyful soul, they know how genuine these thoughts to be, since they’ve always been blessed with her light.

Nancy is survived by her loving children, H. Douglas Keenan of Littleton, Beth E. Keenan and her husband Peter Hopkins of Stamford, CT, Michael S. Keenan and his wife Joanne of Hudson, Mark D. Keenan and his wife Susan of Center Conway, NH, and Jack A. Keenan of Lowell; her adored grandchildren, Katherine K. Hopkins and her fiancé Christopher La Fuentes of New York City, NY, and Colin P.K. Hopkins of Stamford, CT; she is also survived by great grandchildren through marriage, sister-in-law Marjorie Gifford, three nieces and three nephews. Nancy was preceded in death by her siblings, Mark and Ralph Gifford.

While she will be dearly missed, Nancy’s love and lessons will live on in her family and friends. Her immediate family said farewell to her in a weeklong private gathering after her passing.

Funeral services and burial will be held at a later date, beside her beloved husband in Sudbury’s Wadsworth Cemetery.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Sudbury’s Goodnow Library or to the Sudbury United Methodist Church, with her family’s thanks. Her family also wishes to thank the many medical workers who helped her along her path.