Mary R. (Gallant) McKeon, 72, of Worcester died Saturday, March 9th in the Rose Monahan Hospice Home surrounded by her loving family. She leaves her husband of 50 years, Donald E. McKeon; three sons, Matthew E. McKeon and his wife, Barbara A. of Oxford, Michael J. McKeon and his wife, Melissa of Putnam, CT and Patrick S. McKeon and his wife, Marissa of Worcester; a daughter, Kelly A. McKiernan and her husband, Sean of Abington; a brother, James J. Gallant of Worcester; two sisters, Patricia A. Gallant of Worcester and Joan M. Dooley and her husband, Michael of Pasadena, CA; 11 grandchildren, Michaela, Jack, Justin, Matthew, Jenna, Maggie, Molly, Caitlin, Ciara, Elisabeth and Grace; nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. She was predeceased by a grandson, Connor.
She was born in Worcester, the daughter of George and Rita (Downey) Gallant and graduated from Worcester State University. Mary worked for 26 years in a pediatric doctor’s office, first for Dr. John Tkach until his retirement and then for Dr. Howard Zinman until her retirement in 2012. Mrs. McKeon previously worked for the Worcester Public Schools as a teacher. Mary was a devout Catholic and a faithful member of Christ the King Church where she belonged to its women’s guild and served as president and past president, taught CCD and First Communion preparation classes.
Mary enjoyed going to the Irish Club and spending time in Ogunquit and Wells, Maine. She traveled to Ireland and to Prince Edward Island, which was one of her lifelong dreams to visit where her grandparents came from. Mrs. McKeon was a lifelong Democrat who campaigned for JFK before she was even old enough to vote. For 20 years, Mary worked the polls for the City of Worcester while also staying on top of politics on the local, state and national levels. She was a loving mother to everyone, especially all the neighborhood children. Her greatest love was for her family.
The family would like to thank the staff of the 7th floor ICU at UMass Medical Center – University Campus and the Rose Monahan Hospice Home for the excellent care and support they offered Mary and her family.
Her funeral is Tuesday, March 12th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday, March 11th from 4:00 until 7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made the VNA Care Network – Rose Monahan Hospice Home, c/o Fund Development Office, 199 Rosewood Drive, Suite 180, Danvers, MA 01923.