Obituary of Ann P. Keenan

Ann Patricia (Kennedy) Keenan, of Burlington, MA, a woman whose unwavering devotion to her family and faith touched everyone she knew, passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon, December 28, 2024, at the age of 87. Ann was born in Boston and was one of four children to William and Mary Kennedy. She grew up in Dorchester, where she received her education and formed lifelong friendships.

At 15, Ann met the love of her life, Paul. Despite coming from different parishes, their shared group of friends brought them together, and they began dating. By the age of 22, Ann and Paul were married and began their life together. In 1965, they settled in Burlington, where they would raise their family with love and care.

Ann’s first career was as a dedicated employee at John Hancock Insurance after graduating high school. She paused her professional life when her first child was born, choosing to focus on raising her family. As her children grew older and became well-established in school, Ann returned to the workforce. She worked as a clerk at Cummings and Blairs stores and later as a receptionist at GCG Corporation. For almost ten years, Ann served as an administrative assistant at Atria Longmeadow Place before retiring at 75. But if you asked Ann about her true career, she would humbly tell you it was being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother—roles she cherished with all her heart.

To Ann, family was everything. She was the steadfast rock upon which her entire family leaned, always present—body, mind, and soul. Whether it was offering advice, lending a listening ear, or providing comfort, Ann was the person everyone turned to. Her children heard from her multiple times a day, often followed by a reminder to "call me when you’re safely home." She even embraced texting to stay in touch, making sure no one was ever out of reach. Ann’s worry and care for her family never ceased. She ran her home with grace and efficiency, seamlessly balancing the schedules of school, sports, work, and family activities. She was the heart of every celebration—whether it was a Sunday dinner, a holiday gathering, or any family milestone.  Nothing brought Ann greater joy than having her family gathered around her table, enjoying the warmth and love of home.

Ann was also a deeply involved grandmother, attending sporting events, school plays, graduations, and special occasions to support her grandchildren. While she never loved flying, her devotion to her family led her to travel across the country to meet her great-grandchildren in California. She cherished every moment spent with the grandchildren, often playing board games or enjoying time together by her backyard pool, which became a beloved gathering place during the summer months. Ann’s love extended even to her children’s pets, becoming a second grandmother to them. She grew so attached to her son’s 85-pound dog, Bear, and his guinea pig Sandy, that she refused to let them leave when he moved out.

Ann’s legacy will be forever etched in the hearts of her family. Her strength, independence, quick Irish wit, and sharp sense of humor will be remembered by all who knew her. She had an infectious ability to light up a room and make everyone feel like they were her best friend. The traditions, values, and love she instilled in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will live on for generations to come. Though she will be greatly missed, Ann’s spirit will continue to shine through her family, in the countless lives she touched and the love she gave so freely.

Ann was the beloved wife of the late Paul Keenan.  She was the loving mother and mother-in-law of Linda Hakimi & her husband Sharam of Atkinson, NH, Ann Judkins & her husband Ronald of Wilmington, Paul Keenan, Jr of Merrimack, NH, and Carolyn O’Connor and her husband Brian of Dracut, MA.  Ann was predeceased by her siblings William Kennedy, Catherine McFadden, and Mary Vadala.  She was the cherished “Gram” and “Grammy” of Amanda Trejo & her husband Jarrod, Brittany Hakimi, Blair Hannah Judkins, Ronald Judkins, Jr., Daniel Judkins, Joshua Keenan, Andrew O’Connor, and Shawn O’Connor.  She was the great grandmother of Addison and Kristen Trejo.  She was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Wednesday, January 1st from 4-6 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Malachy Church, www.stveronicama.org, 99 Bedford Street, Burlington at 10 a.m. on January 2nd.  Services will conclude with a burial at Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ann’s name may be made to Hands and Hearts Hospice, www.handsandhearts.com, 34 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02481.  For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net