Marilyn I. (Welch) Keegan

Marilyn I (Welch) Keegan, 90, of Holbrook for 62 of those 90 years passed away peacefully on Christmas Day 2020, or as she referred to it, Jesus’ Birthday.

Marilyn’s family was unable to have a funeral Mass at the time of her passing due to COVID-19 restrictions. We hope that family & friends will now be able to join us for the funeral mass and a celebration of her life on December 4, 2021 at 9:00 AM in St. Joseph’s Church, 153 South Franklin Street, Holbrook, MA.

Marilyn grew up in Dorchester and South Boston, prior to her marriage to the love of her life, William A (Bill) Keegan in January of 1954. They moved to the shores of Lake Holbrook to raise a family. She was pre-deceased by Bill in 1976 and is now happily reunited with him. She was an amazing Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Aunt, Friend and is sorely missed by all that knew her. She was extremely dedicated to her Faith and family, enjoying nothing more than spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
From the time she moved to Holbrook, Marilyn was a devoted member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, a fixture at all St. Joe’s events, an active member of the Josepheens, Church Bazaar, Sodality, taught CCD and was both a lector and eucharistic minister.

Over the years Marilyn enjoyed traveling to places like Bermuda, Ireland, Spain, Germany, Greece, throughout New England and the East Coast with the Josepheens, friends and family. Surely her favorite vacation spot involved fond memories of August family vacations together at Newfound Lake, NH. Marilyn enjoyed spending time at the Holbrook Historical Society events, the Council on Aging “Weekly Tea” and she was an avid card player, always willing to gamble with her nickel purse.
In addition to raising a family of five, actively participating in Church activities and community events, once her children were all in school, Marilyn returned to the work force to help her husband Bill support their family. Marilyn took on full-time jobs following the unexpected loss of Bill. Included in her employment history was Holbrook school crossing guard, the U. S. Post Office, and Hallamore Corporation.

Marilyn is survived by her children, William A Keegan Jr. of Holbrook, Peggi Chase (George) of West Boylston, Jerry Keegan (Shirley) of Quincy, Joe Keegan (Mary) of Abington and Tom Keegan (Lisa) of Hull. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren Cindy, Tanya, Lynn, Marissa, Andy, Joshua, Kyle, April and Lucas along with 7 great grandchildren Mikey, Aiden, Joey, Bobby, Grace, Olivia and Emilia. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Rita and Henry Welch, sisters Rita, Doris, Geraldine and Brother Henry (Hank) Welch.

A dear faith filled friend upon learning of her passing said: “They say a soul that passes on Christmas day goes straight to heaven. Mal would have gone straight to the presence of Jesus on any day.”

If you so wish, in lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association or My Brother’s Keeper (Easton, MA) in Marilyn’s name.

Funeral Mass of Celebration will be 9:00 AM, Saturday, December 4, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 153 South Franklin St., Holbrook, MA.

Guestbook


First Name: Ricky and Jane
Last Name: Walsh
City: Holbrook
State: MA
Country: USA
Entry Date: 12/30/2020

We are so very sorry for your loss. I know she was like a second mother to Ricky. We will miss her very much! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers


First Name: Donna
Last Name: Sabbag
City: Dedham
State: MA
Country: United States
Entry Date: 12/30/2020

I am so sorry for your loss, and wish I could express my condolences in person. I am thinking of all of you, and wish you peace in the days ahead. I am glad I had the pleasure of knowing her. She left behind a beautiful legacy. May she rest in peace.

Donna Sabbag


First Name: Edward
Last Name: Baker
City: Brockton
State: MA
Country: Usa
Entry Date: 12/30/2020

She was truly a great friend to my parents and family, it was always good to see her on Christmas eve at the family party she was missed by everyone the last couple of years. She was such a nice person always with a funny story. We are very sad to hear of her passing.


First Name: Phyllis
Last Name: Ricci Holden
City: Holbrook
State: MA
Country:
Entry Date: 12/31/2020

Dear Keegan Family,
We have lost a remarkable person. I could write a Novel on all the good times I had with the Keegan's and Aunt Mal being the head of it all.

She was so proud of each and every one of you in a special way. She will always be in our hearts.

Fondly,
Phyllis Ricci Holden and family


First Name: Gail
Last Name: Kurker
City: Dedham
State: MA
Country:
Entry Date: 12/31/2020

Joe, Mary & family, please know you are all in my thoughts & prayers. Memory Eternal!


First Name: Joan
Last Name: Vierbickas
City: Quincy
State: MA
Country:
Entry Date: 12/31/2020

May she rest in peace.


First Name: Muriel
Last Name: Powers
City: Holbrook
State: MA
Country: United States
Entry Date: 12/31/2020

Dear, dear Mal: I miss you already and glad this is email and not paper, or it would be running with tears. The world hurts for loss of you, but Heaven has gained. Muriel


First Name: Nancy
Last Name: Baker Fowler
City: Hopkinton
State: MA
Country: United States
Entry Date: 01/03/2021

I was so sad to hear of Marilyn's passing. We missed her the last few years at Christmas Eve. I enjoyed sharing my cookies with someone who really appreciated them, and she always sent the loveliest thank you notes. She will be missed, but I'm sure there is a grand Josepheen's reunion rocking in heaven.


First Name: Claire
Last Name: Walsh
City: Holbrook
State: MA
Country: United States
Entry Date: 01/11/2021

Billy and family, we are so very sorry for your loss, prayers to you all


First Name: Roberta
Last Name: Schneider
City: Holbrook
State: MA
Country: USA
Entry Date: 01/11/2021

I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers for the family.


First Name: Janet Montgomery
Last Name: Oneill
City: Holbrook
State: MA
Country: Usa
Entry Date: 01/11/2021

Hugs to the whole family sending our condolences . Your Mom was the nicest sweetest lady and loved by all


First Name: Katrina
Last Name: Antonellis
City: WEST ROXBURY
State: MA
Country: United States
Entry Date: 01/20/2021

Dear Keegan Family,
I just learned of Marilyn's passing. She was a dear friend to my mother Grace for they worked at Hallomore together. I can picture my mother and Marilyn laughing together. A true angel, may she rest in peace.
Sincerly,Katrina


First Name: Jeanmarie
Last Name: Tarara
City:
State: MA
Country:
Entry Date: 12/09/2021

So sorry I missed the service on Saturday. Mel was a wonderful person and is surely missed by everyone who knew her. My prayers for all of you! Jeannie Tarara


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