GENEVA — Jacqueline Blanche Keenan, age 67, died Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, at University Hospitals of Cleveland.
The beloved daughter of Jacob and Loretta (Fox) Conrad, she was born on Oct. 28, 1945, in Avon Ohio. After graduation from high school, she attended Ashland University. Later in life, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Tiffin University. Jackie grew up in a hardworking family, surrounded by the love of her sisters.
Jackie was a faithful and much respected employee at the Corporate Headquarters of Lincoln Electric, where she had worked twenty-four years in many roles. Jackie’s work ethic was one to be emulated. She would not let bad weather or sickness keep her from work.
Jackie was an exceptional woman. Though private, Jackie created personal and unique connections to the people with whom she shared her life. As her nephew said of her, “she had been a positive influence to so many people of which she will never know the true breadth, depth and reach of her love”.
She lived youthfully and enjoyed being active. She participated in; Geneva Literary Club, Woman’s Tennis, Geneva Women’s Association, and when her children were younger, she volunteered at their schools and belonged to the PTA. Age to her was just a number; running 5 K races, kayaking, playing tennis and trying something new made Jackie a woman to be admired. She was a wonderful hostess and enjoyed having friends and family in her home.
Her greatest joy came from being with her children and grandchildren. She was the most active, wonderful, supportive grandma a grandchild could have. She and her husband, Howard, love their seven grandchildren unconditionally.
She is survived by her husband, Howard Keenan of Geneva; children, Michael “Chris” (Connie) Keenan of Geneva, Nikola (Dave) Gazeley of Madisonville, La. and Kevin (Laura) Keenan of Bexley, Ohio; beloved grandchildren, Thomas (Christine) Kelly, Brittany Kelly, Michael Keenan, Kaitlyn Blanche Keenan, Lauren Gazeley, Abigail Keenan and Phoebe Keenan; sisters, Margaret “Marge” Brooks of North Ridgeville, Charlotte “Shi” Wheet of Gainesville, Fla., Cleo Lanphere of Elyria and Sharon Baker of Grafton; and many loving nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Malvin Haponek; and her parents.
Calling Hours will be observed from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 24th, at ZABACK-WILLIAMS-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 500 W. Prospect Road, Ashtabula, Ohio.
A Funeral Prayer Service will be offered at 8:30 p.m., with her cousin, the Rev. Charles T. Diedrick presiding.
If desired, contributions in Jackie’s name may be made to the charity of choice.
Obituary at www.ducro.com and starbeacon.com.
