Elizabeth Keane

OLD TOWN--Elizabeth Lee (Arsenault) Keane, 75, , died peacefully on a sunny Sunday November 14, 2010 with her loving family at her side. Never has such a petite woman commanded such love and affection from such a large and extensive network of family and friends. Betty was a priceless gem; a kind and gentle person who would give you infinite love and attention, then ask if you needed anything else. She was a dedicated wife, a wonderful mother, and a timeless friend. We will truly miss her.

Betty was born in February 15 1935 in Old Town, Maine, a daughter of father Phillip and mother Etta Arsenault. She attended St. Joseph’s Elementary School and graduated from Old Town High School in 1952. In 1954 she met the love of her life Robert, and they were married June 4 1955 and started raising their five children. Bob was from New York City and Betty immediately enriched the lives of his entire family with her kindness, grace, and love. After her children were grown, she started a long and successful professional career as an administrative assistant of Student Affairs at the University of Maine touching the hearts and lives of thousands of college students.

She had three great loves: her extensive family, ice cream, and games, especially crossword puzzles, trivia, and cards. Betty was an original, a ferociously stubborn woman with the rare combination of beauty, kindness, and compassion. She loved the outdoors, adventure, and travel, especially with her family, and she loved trying new things, including becoming an avid skier, exploring Alaska and Canada with her motor home, and fearfully hiking scenic mountain trails. She was proud to say that she completed the trifecta of Maine outdoors: climbing Kathadin, canoeing the Allagash, and biking carriage trails of Acadia.

She had aspired to be a writer, a scholar, and an international traveler, but instead she preferred to devote her immense talents and energies to raising her children and grandchildren. Ever committed to her faith, she was a life-long catholic and attended church regularly to pray for her family and husband. After retirement, she dedicated her spare time to charity, the Old Town Museum, and the KC Auxiliary, working tirelessly at her church’s food pantry, always deeply concerned about the poor and unfortunate.

She is survived by her husband Robert E. Keane of Old Town, son Robert E. Keane II, wife Elizabeth and granddaughters Hannah and Holly of Missoula, Montana, son Steven P. Keane, wife Marie and grandchildren Katlyn, Molly, and Matthew of Bethel Maine, daughter Kathleen M. Benoit, husband Thomas and grandsons Patrick, John, and Philip, of Orono Maine, son Gary J. Keane, wife Theresa and grandchildren Meghan, Rachel, and Sam of Dover Foxcroft, Maine, and son John P. Keane, wife Mary and grandchildren Lauren and Robbie of Bradley Maine, sister Joan M. Brissette of Bangor Maine, Brother John Arsenault and wife Leota of Old Town Maine, and sister Rosalie A. Blenkhorn and her husband Gary P. of Cape Elizabeth, Maine. She is also survived by 16 nieces and nephews and numerous cousins. She had many devoted friends, which included her lifelong relationships with members of the Jolly Juniors, Tuesday Card Club, and the Redhats.

A visitation will be held from 7-9 PM on Tuesday Nov 16 at Birmingham Funeral Home 438 Main Street Old Town. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 AM Wednesday at Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord, Holy Family Church, Old Town. In lieu of flowers, non-perishable food items can be donated to Betty’s favorite charity, the food pantry at Holy Family Church. A food collection box will be available at the visitation and at the parish hall. Condolences may be left at www.birminghamfuneralhome.com