Eleanor Louise (Demers) Keran died at the D’Youville Senior Care Facility in Lowell after a long illness. Born of Flag Day, June 14, 1926, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Rene and Helen (Pelletier) Demers of Andover. She was a graduate of Punchard High School, Andover, class of 1944, where she played the Glockenspiel in the school band and sang in the school choir. An accomplished pianist, Mrs. Keran studied music for many years and entertained at area nursing homes. She also played the piano for the students and staff at St. Robert’s Country Day School, Haggett’s Pond Road, Andover. Because of the steady progression of Parkinson’s disease, she had not played the piano in recent years, but her 80th birthday party in June, she played one last time for her family and friends. Mrs. Kearn was devoted to her family and a devoted member of St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 198 Haggett’s Pond Road in Andover where she attended daily mass until overtaken by her illness. She started the Rosary group and attended for 20 years, as well as sang in the church choir for 25 years. She was also a member of the Altar Guild, taught CCD and volunteered her time and talent to the Church and rectory over the years.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Warren F. Kearn. She is also survived by five of her six children; Ronald C. Kearn of Andover, Warren F. Jr. and his wife Lorraine Kearn, of Milford, New Hampshire, Louise and her husband Frank Emerson of York, Maine, Jane and her husband David Bistany of Methuen, Charles R. and his wife Kate Kearn of Methuen. She is also survived by her sister Miriam and her husband William T. Shutt of Hudson, New Hampshire and nine grandchildren. She is predeceased by her son, Stephen W. Kearn and Granddaughter, Erin E. Kearn. Many relative and friends attended a funeral mass on Friday, August 11, 2006, at 10 AM in St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 198 Haggett’s Pond Road, Andover. Calling hours were Thursday, August 10, 2006, in the church, from 4 to 8 PM. Burial was in the West Parish Garden Cemetery.
Contributions in Eleanor’s memory may be made to the St. Robert Bellarmine Church Memorial Fund, 198 Haggett’s Pond Road, Andover, MA 01810 or to the D’Youville Foundation, 981 Varnum Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854.