1939 – 2013

TAMPA, Fla. — Claire P. Keaney, 73, of Auburn, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 9, at Town and Country Hospital in Tampa while visiting her daughter to attend her granddaughter’s confirmation.

She was born in Waterville, on June 21, 1939, a daughter of the late John F. and Marguerite (Lepage) Poulin. She attended Mount Merici boarding school in Waterville and graduated from St. Dominic High School in the Class of 1956. Claire went on to further her education at Seton Hill College in Pennsylvania, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1960.

On Jan. 27, 1962, she married the love of her life, Thomas M. Keaney, and together they worked and raised their young family in the Auburn-Lewiston area until his death in 1993. She was a personal care assistant at Schooner Estates in her later years and truly loved the work she did. She was a devout Catholic who was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, St. Louis Church, and she never forgot her roots in New Auburn.

Claire was always on the go, either taking her Schooner friends for an appointment or dropping off/picking up her grandchildren at school or at a sporting event. In her younger years she loved traveling with her husband. After his death, she cherished her very special lunches with the “Girls from Porteous.” She enjoyed hosting parties at her home on Taylor Pond, reading and shopping for herself andother people, especially her grandkids. She was adored by her grandchildren, who loved having her attend their sporting events and religious celebrations. Claire was known to often spoil them! Her family functions and gatherings were the heart of her life.

Claire also had a long-lasting friendship with her special friend and “sister,” Faye Pelletier. St. Dominic Academy was especially important to her. She was very proud of the fact that all three of her children and three of her grandchildren had graduated from St. Dom’s and that four more grandkids currently attend the school. She was always available and really enjoyed helping them with their French homework!

Claire is survived by her children, Kathleen Cornelio and husband, Mark, of Auburn, Michael Keaney and wife, Linda Keene, of Auburn, Maureen Fisher and husband, Stephen, of Tampa, Fla.; grandchildren, Alexander, Kaitlin, Kristen and Kristina Cornelio, Nicole, Matthew and Justin Keaney, Carly and Brendan Fisher; her sister, Mariette Jalbert and husband, Ronald; and several very good and dear friends.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Keaney.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Keaney family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.