Diana Toner Keenan

Cherished wife of 48 years of the late Capt. Paul Conrad Keenan, Jr, devoted mother of Kathleen Keenan; Paul Keenan III and his wife, Michelle; and Kevin Keenan and his wife, Tricia. Diana was also grandmother of five grandchildren, Kelly, Shannon, Jonathan (JP), Konrad and Kade, as well as six great grandchildren and other family members, including four nieces and one nephew.

Diana lived a devoted life of charity. She was present, positive, and purposeful in other people’s lives. She loved being with people, listening, affirming and learning from them. Her cheerfulness and selflessness were renowned. She was faithful to God and loyal to her family, friends and anyone in need. She was goodness and grace incarnate.

Diana Keenan was born in Anderson, Indiana, to Williams McCullough Toner and Gloria Virginia Toner (nee Hardy) of the distinguished Toner family, owners and publishers of the Anderson Herald. Diana’s grandmother, Harriet Toner, was the first woman publisher in Anderson in 1927 and one of the Top 50 Most Influential People in Anderson’s 150-year history.

In her early years, Diana lived in Anderson, Indiana, and the Grande Corniche in Nice, France at Villa Bestagno. The family moved to New York city where Diana attended the Gardner School for Girls, graduating with honors. Diana spent her summers in Indiana and at Walloon Lake, Michigan, where the family owned a home and the Walloon Lake Inn. Diana went on to Indiana University where she graduated with a B.A. in Education.

After graduation, several university friends decided to spend a year in San Francisco, where Diana joined Pan Am Airlines as a flight attendant. There she had the good fortune of meeting her future husband, Paul, and they were married a year later in Anderson, Indiana. In Capt. Keenan’s distinguished 31-years in the Naval nuclear submarine program, they moved ten times to cities both on the East and West coast as well as Hawaii, settling in McLean, Virginia. A Director of two Presidential Commissions as well as the George Washington University’s Executive Development Program, Capt. Keenan also founded Tertulia, a McLean think tank with prominent speakers.

While raising three children, Diana was legendary for her prodigious church and charitable work. She was a member of St. Luke’s Church for over 50 years, President of the Women’s Club and one of three founders of the Senior Adult Luncheon program. She and Paul were on the Vietnamese Settlement committee which helped Vietnamese refugees in the mid-70’s get settled in the U.S. One of those families was Lan and Vihn Newgen, owners of Lan’s Tailor Shop, whom she became life-long friends with and Godparents to their children.

Diana and Paul were founding, longtime members of Pilgrims After Christ (PAX), a Catholic Intentional Eucharistic Community in McLean, VA. Her charitable work included support for Sudanese, Syrian, and Afghan families getting settled in the U.S.; the Cyprus Friendship Program; and the annual Christmas Outreach efforts for Northern Virginia families. Diana was also a longtime member of Initiatives of Change, a global movement of people working together to build trust across the world’s divides.

Diana spent her last eight years enjoying the wonderful residents and offerings at Vinson Hall Retirement Community. She was a joyous member of the Vinson Voices Choir, active on the Health and Wellness Committee and featured in an advertisement for Vinson Hall. Cherished by many, she was one of eleven residents nominated for the 2022 Paul Peak Resident of the Year Award.

Diana began each day focused on helping those in need. Her cheerful, engaging demeanor, selfless giving and interest in others have enhanced innumerable lives. Diana had an incredible life, yet what people remember most are her countless acts of kindness and charity in bringing out the best in others. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service and devotion to her faith, family, friends, church and community. She will be fondly remembered and remain in our hearts forever.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, May 5th at 11 AM at St. Luke Catholic Church, 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean, Virginia with a Celebration of Life Reception to immediately follow in Flaherty Hall. If you plan to attend the reception, please RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/KeenanReception

The family would be most grateful if, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in honor of Diana Keenan to the following charities (both linked below):

Initiatives of Change USA, Caux Scholars Program

A global movement of people working together to build trust across the world’s divides. The Caux Scholars Program offers young leaders from around the world training in conflict resolution, restorative justice and sustained dialogue, preparing participants to become peace builders in their personal and professional lives.

UrbanPromise

The mission of Urban Promise, Wilmington is to equip children and young adults through Christ with the skills necessary for academic achievement, life management, personal growth and servant leadership.