Helen Mae Keene

Helen Auge Keene, devoted wife of John T. Keene, passed away September 23, 2021. She was born May 20, 1925 in San Antonio, Texas and was the daughter of Ella and Ed Auge. She attended Thomas Jefferson High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Incarnate Word University. Helen and John married in 1946. The newlyweds moved to College Station where Helen worked in the Chemistry Research Lab at Texas A&M while John finished his studies after the war. Upon Johns graduation the Keenes moved back to San Antonio where they raised three children. Helen put her chemistry degree back to use in the kitchen where she produced delicious meals.

Helen was a member of St. Lukes Episcopal Church and Oak Hills Country Club where she made many lifelong friends. She was an accomplished tennis and bridge player. Helen was an avid golfer, winning the OHCC Womens Golf Championship in 1975, 1976, and 1987. She and John attended the People-to-People golf tour, where they played with golfers from around the world. As empty-nesters, Helen and John discovered a love of travel while exploring the world often with the Traveling Aggies. Helen loved saying "everybody smiles in the same language."

Helen had a love of the outdoors from childhood. She enjoyed spending time with many generations of her family at the Auge Ranch in the Hill Country and walking along the Texas Coast beaches where she said the waves "wash away her troubles". She raised beautiful roses and maintained a bountiful vegetable garden. Helen spent the last years of her life at Franklin Park Senior Living. She was an active member of the community and made many friends.

Helen was witty, smart, and fun to be around and will always be remembered as having a caring, polite, and friendly disposition. Her motto would be, "Never let yesterday use up today."

Helen was preceded in death by her husband John, her brother Edward Charles Auge, and her parents, Ella and Ed Auge. She is survived by her children; Mary Ellen Mauze (Jean) of San Antonio, John T. Keene Jr. (Cathy) of San Antonio, and Edward Auge Keene (Cynthia) of Johnson City; seven grandchildren, Madison Auge Mauze (Margaret) of San Antonio, David Keene Mauze (Amelita) of San Antonio, Kathleen Keene Jones (Garry) of Dubai, UAE, Pollyanna Keene (Marc Pheulpin) of San Antonio, Christine Keene Simcox (Jobe) of Avondale, Pennsylvania, Ella May Keene (finance Michael Arnel) of Hagerstown, Maryland, and Annabelle Keene (Stephen Brotherman) of Houston, Texas; and 10 great-grandchildren.

A private family memorial service was held at Franklin Park Chapel on Monday, September 27, 2021. Helen will be laid to rest next to her husband John at St. Lukes Episcopal Church Columbarium. Memorial gifts may be made to First Tee Greater San Antonio, 915 E. Mulberry, San Antonio, Texas 78212 or a charity of choice.

Remember angels come to us in human form. It can be a friend or a neighbor or a stranger in our time of need. They are real. God sends them. Special thanks to Porschee, Fran and Gracie for all their love in support.

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7