WORCESTER-Grace M. (Palmer) Keenan, 92, of Worcester, died peacefully, Tuesday, October 27 at home surrounded by her family.
Her husband of 46 years, Henry J. Keenan, died in 1994. She leaves a son, John H. Keenan and his wife Jo-Anne Wilson-Keenan of E. Dennis, and two daughters, Mary C. Keenan and her husband Stuart Dunkel of Watertown and Ann M. Chandler and her husband John D. Chandler of Worcester; three grandchildren, Andrew J. Chandler and Katherine M. Chandler of Worcester and Noah D. Wilson; nephews, nieces and dear friends. She was predeceased by five sisters, Mary, Helen, Margaret and Ruth Palmer, and Clare Blaquiere.
She was born in Worcester, daughter of John A. and Margaret (Murphy) Palmer. Grace earned her Bachelor's and Master’s Degrees in Education from Worcester State College. She began her long teaching career in Petersham, later taught in Southbridge and continued to teach in Worcester mainly at Gates Lane School. She retired from the Worcester Public School System as a Library Media Specialist. She was a member of St. Peter’s Church, Massachusetts Retired Teachers Association and an active member of the Worcester State College Alumni Association. In her younger years, Grace was active in theater, both acting and directing plays. She continued her love for literature, the performing arts, and music throughout her lifetime.
The funeral will be held on Thursday, October 29 from CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle Street, with a Mass at 10:30 AM in St. Peter’s Church, 931 Main Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery. Visiting hours are today, Wednesday, October 28 from 4-6 PM and also on Thursday, October 29 from 9-10 AM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Grace’s memory to the Worcester State College Alumni Association, 486 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA 01602. For directions and online condolence book, please visit www.callahanfay.com