Marilyn H. Keenan

Marilyn H. Keenan, age 84, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church and is now in the presence of her savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Loving mother of Thomas J. (Kelly) Keenan Jr., Lynn (Kirk) Miles, and Kevin (Loa) Keenan; devoted Nana of Jordan (Vince) Gaia, Connor Miles (Ryan Cooney), Ginny (Zach) Gillen, Thomas H. Keenan, Michael Keenan (Brendan Moll), Paige Keenan, Cassidy Keenan, and Gavin Keenan; cherished great Nana, Declan Gillen, Finley Gillen, Isabella Gaia, and Clara Gaia. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Kathryn and John Healey, her aunts, Hannah Buckley and Ethel Bradican, and her dear best friend Marge Ott. She is also survived by Thomas J. Keenan Sr., the father of her children. A passionate adventurer at heart, Marilyn’s greatest joys included hot air ballooning, camping, and traveling. She spent many cherished hours crewing hot air balloons alongside her son, Tom, and eagerly assisted in the journeys they embarked on. A lover of the outdoors, Marilyn enjoyed boating, water skiing, and camping—her favorite spot being Table Rock Lake. Her motor home adventures led her to explore 35 states, and she also made a memorable trip to Albuquerque, NM, to attend the famous hot air balloon festival. Marilyn’s talents extended to creating heartfelt, personalized gifts. She enjoyed cross-stitching and crafted many beautiful items for her grandchildren. She had a special love for Christmas, and she designed personalized stockings for her grandchildren. She also made every birthday special for her kids each year by baking and decorating their cake to be as unique and special as they are. An enthusiastic bowler, Marilyn was known for her perfect "all spare" game. She was also a lifelong fan of Neil Diamond, his music providing the soundtrack to many happy moments in her life. Marilyn loved her dogs, especially her Yorkshire terriers, which her sons named Mickey and Bud—small pleasures that made her smile. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she was a constant presence at their soccer games, dance recitals, basketball and baseball games, tennis matches, music performances, volleyball tournaments, scouts, plays, and bowling events. She loved every event that brought joy to their lives. Marilyn was Nana, a role she cherished deeply, and she reveled in the warmth and joy that her grandchildren brought to her world. As a dedicated supporter of the St. Louis Zoo and an active member of her church, Marilyn’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. Raised Catholic and a member of St. Clare and St. Monica Parishes, her spiritual journey continued in her later years at the Sarah Community, where she found peace and solace attending services. Marilyn was also a loving daughter, raised by her two aunts after the loss of her mother at a young age. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate family; she was “mom” to many, welcoming her kids' friends with open arms. Marilyn relished reliving her own youthful days with her children and their friends, embracing life with a second teenage spirit. Marilyn’s 1968 burgundy convertible Corvette was a symbol of her zest for life and her fearless pursuit of fun. She had a magnetic spirit, a great sense of humor, and an infectious joy that made her an unforgettable presence in the lives of all who knew her. Marilyn lived an amazing life—a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. She will be forever remembered in the hearts of all those she touched. Her life was a testament to the power of love, joy, and faith, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Marilyn to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Humane Society of Missouri.

Marilyn H. Keenan

June 14, 1941 - September 16, 2025