Susan Keeley

Update from the family; with the HOT weather planned for Thursday, we plan to be much more casual for the mass and reception on Thursday. Please feel free to follow the lead of Sue’s husband, Jim, with more casual attire being encouraged.

Susan M. Keeley, 71, of Falmouth, passed away unexpectedly at Maine Medical Center on June 10th, 2024, due to complications from heart surgery surrounded by her devoted husband and four loving children.

Sue, daughter of James A McBrady, Sr and Mary Jane Kilmartin was born in Portland, Maine on August 19th, 1952. She grew up in a large Irish family in the Brighton Ave section of Portland. After graduating from Deering High School in 1970, she attended University of Maine Orono and graduated with a B.S. in Education in 1974, followed by her Master’s in Education at USM in 1976.

While at UMaine, Sue met the love of her life, Jim. Together they built a foundation of laughter and support, busy days and quiet moments while accumulating endless airline miles from their exciting travel adventures. They got to experience life to its fullest; 50 years of date night dinners and every evening goodnight kisses. She found so much happiness in sharing her life with her forever partner.

Sue became a mother in 1979 and together they created a close-knit family with their fabulous foursome: Liz, Ben, Katie and McKenzie. She took great joy in being a mother and was always her children’s biggest cheerleader by never missing a sporting event, helping with homework, or advising them through challenges. She maintained those close relationships into their adulthood and in 2009 they earned new nicknames (Susu and Grandpa).

Susu, as she was affectionately known, took so much pride in her grandchildren with whom she had the time to know and love. She never missed an opportunity to shower them with hugs, spoil them in her creative Susu style, and capture their smiles in a perfectly timed click of her camera. Susu’s spirit and excitement for life will be carried on by her 9 grandchildren: Olive, Eleanor, Clementine and Eli Clark; Connor, Henry and Anna Keeley; and Margaret and Hazel Dickey.

Although teaching was her profession, her true calling revolved around family and friends. Being the oldest daughter of so many siblings, Susu fulfilled her role of caretaker, peacemaker, and family event planner with a lot of passion and a teaspoon of caution. Always ready to plan the next big celebration whether it be a birthday, a funeral, or the annual beach camp season opener. Nothing beat connecting with her sisters during strolls towards the pier or knowing that her brothers could call and she would be there to listen. Her infectious laugh and vibrant spirit was contagious, making her the one you chose to sit next to in the bleachers, join for a walk, call for a lunch date, or be the first to text exciting news with. Knowing, loving, and supporting her family and friends is her success story.

Her commitment to her faith was unwavering, giving her solace and strength. Always generous with her time, she actively sought out opportunities to donate to Maine Needs or gather supplies for the Falmouth food pantry. She knew that you gain more happiness doing things for others than doing them for yourself. Susu held you in her prayers if you were struggling and celebrated with you in your successes because she knew this life is fragile and unpredictable, and to love unconditionally is the only way to live.

Sue was predeceased by her parents James A McBrady Sr. and Mary Jane McBrady; James parents, James F Keeley Sr. and Joan Keeley; her beloved sister Theresa McBrady and twin infant sisters, Elizabeth and Ethel. Sue is survived by her best friend and husband, James F. Keeley, Jr.,, her four children: Elizabeth Clark, Benjamin Keeley (Sarah), Katherine Keeley and McKenzie Dickey (Bob); siblings James Jr. “Gus” (Helen), Mary, Edward (Shirley), Stephen (Elizabeth), Anne (Paul), Patrick (Angela) and Charles McBrady, as well as James brother, Michael (Margo) Keeley and a great many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on June 20th, 2024 at 11:00am at Our Lady of Hope Church (St. Pius X), 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland, Maine 04103, reception to follow. A private burial will be held at a later date.

To view Sue’s memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com. Arrangements are under the care & direction of Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Sue’s memory can make contributions to: Maine Needs, 332 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME 04101. Please note: Susan M. Keeley (children and women’s donations).