Irene Virginia Keane

Our family is heartbroken to announce that Irene Virginia Keane passed away on January 6, 2026. She was 95 and had lived comfortably in the Melody Living memory care unit in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she received loving and compassionate care for the past 10 months. Irene was born in Utica, New York, on November 25, 1930, to Joseph and Julia Zobel. She attended St. Joseph Catholic School and St. Francis de Sales High School. Irene had two sisters, Rita and Alma, and one brother, Joseph, all of whom preceded her in death. She married the love of her life, Peter, on May 26th, 1951. Irene and Peter had six children, with one preceding her in death (Dana). They lived in the Utica area, Orangeburg, South Carolina, and Erie, Pennsylvania. In 1970, she and Peter moved the family to Colorado Springs to enjoy the beautiful Rocky Mountain region. They had a happy, wonderful marriage for 65 years, prior to Peter's passing in 2016. Irene attended nursing school after raising the children and became a registered nurse, fulfilling her life’s dream. She worked as a nurse until her retirement, often volunteering to provide care for those in need. Irene enjoyed many hobbies such as tending her many rose bushes, hiking, camping, square dancing, sewing, and knitting. She was a great cook and wonderful baker. Irene was deeply faithful and was involved in many ministries at Corpus Christi Catholic Church including serving as a lector, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Holy Communion for the sick and homebound, marriage preparation minister, SHARE food distribution for the poor, and Corpus Christi elementary school volunteer. Irene's accomplishments include receiving an Award for “Colorado Springs Volunteer of the Year,” being a 55-year member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, leading Brownie/Girl Scout troops, and serving as Secretary for the United States Submarine Veterans of World War II, Colorado Springs Chapter. Irene is survived by her children: Terrence Keane (Sandy-deceased; Marla), Spring, TX; Geralyn Keane (Sue), Arvada, CO; Scott Keane (Theresa), Colorado Springs, CO; Douglas Keane (Lynette), Colorado Springs, CO; and Erin Carnes (Kenneth), Colorado Springs, CO. She is survived by seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and many friends. Irene was a joyful, generous, and loving person. We will miss her forever. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Association.