1928 – 2003

FARMINGTON – Priscilla B. Keating, 74, also known as “Pat”, of Rangeley, the daughter of the late Raymond and Roberta (Ruth) Bartlett, peacefully passed away on Wedneday, Oct. 15, at Franklin Memorial Hospital with her children by her side.

“Pat” was born on Nov. 29, 1928, in Rangeley, spent her childhood years in Kennebago, and graduated

valedictorian from Buxton High School. Throughout her life, including early personal struggles as a single mother, her goodwill and generosity were insightful influences and encouragement to many.

In 1970, she married James J. Keating. Residing in Kennebunk, she and her loving husband, James, were well-known and respected in the antique business conducting auctions and appraisals throughout New England. Raising a combined family of 10 children, a well-earned retirement returned her and brought Jim to Rangeley where they relaxed and fly-fished together until Jim’s passing in 1993.

Her life was once again fulfilled by her large extended church family with devotion and commitment to the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Rangeley where she participated untiringly on several committees, in the food pantry, as President of the Episcopal Church Women and as Junior Warden. Her proficiency in both her home and church gardens was an inspiring welcome to visitors and fellow parishioners as were her hearty meals and award-winning pastries. She also enjoyed her participation as a member of the Masonettes and the Rangeley Guides and Sportsmen’s Association.

“Pat,” Mom, Nana, and Nana-Nana will be sadly missed by her black lab, Molly; her many friends; her five daughters, Margaret Boothby of Kennebunk, Susan Eldridge of Wells, Martha Kalar of Stuart, Fla., Sarah Nedeau of Byron and Mary Boothby of Rangeley; her son, John Keating of Brooklyn, N.Y.; her stepchildren are James Keating III and Richard Keating both of Kennebunk and Joanne Johnson of Shelton, Conn.; Nana adored her grandchildren, Sean Eldridge, Kevin Eldridge, Brook Kalar, Jason Nedeau, Jillian Johnson, and Annie Keating; her great-granddaughter, Fayth Nedeau provided much laughter and inspiration to Mrs. Keating and in the years to come, Fayth’s life will be enriched with tales reminiscent of her Nana-Nana; a sister, M. Helen Wiggin of Napa, Calif.; and a brother, Raymond “Bud” Bartlett of Gorham, formerly of Rangeley.

She was predeceased by a sister, Rae Bachelder in 1989.

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