AUBURN — Joan Frances Beattie Keene, 74, died July 2, surrounded by loved ones.

She was the middle of seven children born to Lawrence and Cecilia Beattie. She grew her incredible work ethic in the potato fields of Patten, where she developed her love and commitment to family in the joys and struggles of “county” living.

After graduating from Patten Academy, Joan showed her true colors as she marched off to the U.S. Army to pay her way to Gorham State Teachers College. She was proud of her service to her country. During a rich and fulfilling 30-year career as a teacher, she touched the minds and lives of a multitude of children, parents and fellow educators in the communities of Lewiston, Sabattus and Durham.

In her journey to become a teacher she met and married her lifetime best friend and the love of her life, Vance Keene. They were blessed with three children, Jonathan, Ellen and Kelly, and later 12 grandchildren.

Joan touched the lives of many with her generosity and thoughtfulness of others. She cherished a large circle of lifelong friendships, cemented by unconditional shared loyalty and devotion.

For three years Joan displayed a remarkable determination in the face of a devastating diagnosis of terminal cancer. By living out her faith, she modeled and taught those she loved valuable life lessons: Be determined — no obstacle is too large to overcome, try hard — work harder, take less than you give, be kind to everyone, laugh every day, and love your family with every fiber of your being.

She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years; her children, Jonathan Keene of Massachusetts, Ellen County of Auburn and Kelly Marston and her husband, Mike, of Oakland; grandchildren, Megan, Cole and Abby Keene, Billy, Rose (Dumas), Albert, Tyler, Rylee and Joshua County, and Nicolas Keene and Hunter Hayes; and one great-grandchild, Gabriel Dumas. She is also survived by her sisters, Marie O’Meara and husband, Bill, of Minneapolis, Minn., and Lorraine “Kitty” Beattie, brothers, Larry “Pouch” Beattie and wife, Margaret, of Portland, Paul Beattie and wife, Mary, of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and David Beattie and wife, Donna, of Portland; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; and sister, Verna.

The family wishes to acknowledge the extraordinary care provided by the many angels of Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice, and her doctors. In addition, the family wishes to give thanks for the countless loving deeds and prayers generously given by family and friends. Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.