OBITUARIES

St. Gabriel's teacher Marsha Keenan, 70

Posted

Marsha Ellen Keenan, born Nov. 26, 1949 — beloved wife and best friend of the late Peter T. Keenan — passed away May 17, 2020, after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.

Preceded in death by parents Lorraine Goldstein and Seymour Schuster, she was an English teacher in the New York City public school system for nearly 40 years, most of which was spent at P.S. 95 Sheila Mencher. She retired several years ago, and has volunteered at the local senior citizen center as well as the Bronx Zoo, before returning to teaching.

Initially, she volunteered at the kindergarten before substitute teaching children at St. Gabriel’s in Riverdale.

She was married to Pete for 29 years, living the last 16 years in Riverdale. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Lehman College. She supported the St. Jude Foundation, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and many other charities. Most importantly, she provided hundreds of her students with needed school supplies and books.

She leaves behind sisters-in-law Maureen, Melissa, Valerie Keenan and Teri Dunbar; brothers-in-law Michael and Timothy Keenan; nieces Kerianne and Samantha; nephews Christopher, James, Mark, Zachary and Paul, along with great-nephew James David.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, graveside services are private. With arrangements under Gutterman-Musicant Funeral Directors, interment will take place at George Washington Park in Paramus, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the St. Gabriel’s, where Marsha Keenan volunteered her time and shared her love for education as a substitute teacher. Checks can be sent in memory of Marsha and Peter Keenan to St. Gabriel School, 590 W. 235th St., Bronx, N.Y., 10463, or online at ChampionsForQualityEducation.org.

Marsha Ellen Keenan,