
Northa L. Keene
Passed on June 9, 2023
Resident of Randolph, MA
Dr. Northa L. Keene, 69, passed away on June 9, 2023. Dr. Keene was born on November 1, 1953, in Rose Hill, MS, the tenth of 13 children. Coming from such a large family, and one in which she was the smallest, despite being 5’6”, significantly shaped Northa’s personality, as did the family’s move to Massachusetts from Mississippi when she was in junior high. After working her way through college, Northa began a distinguished career in the Boston Public School system, initially as an elementary school teacher before settling in as a high school honors science teacher and dean of discipline at both the Jeremiah E. Burke and West Roxbury High Schools.
After 25 years of teaching, which included starting a family and going back to get a master’s degree, Dr. Keene retired from teaching to focus on her second vocational passion: counseling. She earned a PhD in counseling, her dissertation looking at the effects of alopecia areata on the mental health of individuals in the US Pacific Northwest. Eventually, her first love of teaching combined with her inability to sit still and she co-founded Keene Ellis Consulting Agency, a tutoring business that started out offering K-12 services, but eventually expanded to college, graduate and professional exam tutoring, including one of the first in Massachusetts to be approved to provide test prep services for the National Council for Licensure Exam-RN.
Despite seemingly being a workaholic, Northa did, in fact, appreciate down time. Every spring, she could be seen restarting her garden, working on vegetables in her prime, but transitioning to a more floral landscape as the years progressed. She was also legendary for her cooking skills, with the ability to cook anything with a recipe, and quite a few things without one. She also loved travelling, both across America’s highways, and overseas.
Her son James E. Lewis and his wife Adrienne, and her grandson, James J. Lewis, while grateful for the time they had with her, will miss being able to learn from her. Her eight surviving siblings: Roosevelt Lewis and his wife, Juanita, Ruby Jeanette Roberts, Eddie Lewis, Mary Catherine Henderson, Evangelist Rozine McGee, John B. Lewis, Albert Lewis and Wilbert Lewis, will cherish the memories of their childhood together. Her numerous nieces, nephews, close friends, colleagues and former students will not soon forget their advisor, guardian, advocate, compatriot, and mentor.
Viewing hours will be held at Hurley Funeral Home, 127 So. Franklin St. (Rt. 37), Holbrook on Saturday, July 15, 2023 from 9-10am followed by a memorial service 10am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. A livestream of the service is available at www.harborview.live
Aunt Fay, I will always cherish the memory of you taking Shirley, Debbie, Felicia and me on your date. As a young girl, I was unaware of the impact it would have on me. You gave us a visual representation of how a man should treat a lady with care and respect. You planted a seed in my life that I have never forgotten. I understand that you wanted, no expected greatness for me and others. You’ve shaped my life more than you’ll ever know. As I continue in the field as a counselor, I will do my best to provide empathy, support, and encouragement.
I love you, your niece Valencia?
My deepest sympathy to the Lewis Family on the death of their loved one Northa L. Keene.
I am very sorry about the passing of my 2nd cousin. What a beautiful soul and a well accomplished Dr. My heart goes out to all who loved and adored you. May your soul rest in the presence of the Creator.