Diane Keeney

Born: April 12th, 1941 Calgary Alberta, Canada

Died: August 14th, 2020; Carson City, NV

Born to Benjamin and Grace (White) Penner in Calgary. In January of 1943 during World War II, when she was one and a half the family including an older sister, Sylvia, along with a little sister on the way (Anita), took a “troop train” to Southern California. They settled in Englewood California for a few years while their Dad worked in the movie industry. Diane became a naturalized U.S. Citizen in 1947, the same year she graduated from Kindergarten at Mary J. Whelan School. Then moving around for awhile the family eventually settled in Los Gatos California with five children (Sylvia, Diane, Anita, and the twins Glenn, and Linda).

In her senior year in High School Diane meet and started dating her soon to be husband Richard “Rich” Keeney. Briefly working for the phone company, Western California Telephone Company, along with her sister Sylvia who was already working for them. Rich and Diane got married in 1940. With Rich joining the Navy and Diane becoming pregnant with their first child, they started a life of moving wherever Rich would get stationed. Diane then became a house wife to raise their kids. The first born Karen, followed by Debra, and Richard “Ricky/Rick”, each was born in a different state.

Eventually Rich retired from the Navy and the family settled back in Vallejo California. The kids, all three getting married and having children of their own, some who have also have children of their own. The extended family having grown through these years as well, with a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Like her Mother, Diane is the very definition of their shared name of Grace. Diane left this world as a Sister, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Aunt, Great Aunt and Treasured Friend.

A Gentle Soul Passes

By Richard “Rick” Keeney

Diane was called home, a gentle soul has passed…

Friends and Family will surely miss her this side of heaven

yet look forward to one day a reunion

Called home a gentle soul has passed…

Those left behind forever imprinted by her love

The impact will continue to ripple

Called home a gentle soul has passed…

With Grace and poise her journey has come to an end

and yet has just begun

Called home a gentle soul has passed…

Through trial and hardship you have passed

Enjoy your reward from now and through forever

Called home a gentle soul has passed…

Goodbye for now Mom

I look forward to that future hug and tears of joy

As reunited we will be

Love Richard Keeney, and all your Friends and Family

Preceded by: Benjamin Penner (Father), Grace Penner Shepard (Mother) and Glenn Penner (Brother)

Survivors: Siblings: Sylvia McGill, spouse Neal McGill, Anita Penner Prescott, spouse John Prescott, Linda Cozzolongo, spouse James Cozzolongo, Dorena Penner, and Gale Penner

Children: Karen Pratt, spouse Clay Pratt, Debra Deschaine, spouse Brian Deschaine, Richard Keeney, spouse Lisa Keeney

Grand Children: Cindy Shaw, Matthew Barron, Courtney Liggans, spouse C-lo Liggans, Curtis Deschaine, spouse Stephanie Deschaine, Lindsay Lowery, spouse Zach Lowery, Courtney Lewis, Naomi Keeney, Jonathan Keeney, and Ryan Corr

Great Grand Children: Alex Crawford, Joe Shaw, Daniel Barron, Shawn Barron, Mason Barron, Leighton Barron, and two Great Granddaughter’s on the way…