Jean M. Keith

Jean Keith, beloved wife, mother, nana, and sister died on December 30 after a prolonged battle with breast cancer and related complications. Her strong faith with the loving care of many people helped provide the strength and courage Jean needed throughout this challenging time.

Born in Philadelphia, PA on November 10, 1929, Jean was one of four daughters to John and Mollie McShane. After relocating to the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx, she and her family shared a wonderful life. Together with their friends and relatives many a good time was enjoyed in their neighborhood.

Jean met her husband William F. Keith while they both worked in Manhattan. They met at a parish dance, where their love for one another began. Jean and Bill were married on June 23, 1951. The Keith family relocated to “the country,” New City, NY, in 1958 and went on to raise their five children in Rockland County.

She attended Rockland Community College and earned a healthcare-related degree. Her career spanned many years at both Ramapo General and Good Samaritan Hospitals. In her later years Jean was employed at Tagaste Monastery in Suffern, in an environment she truly loved.

Jean possessed a true sense of passion for the arts – opera, ballet, classical music as well as being an avid English history buff. She enjoyed vacationing as a child and as an adult at her beloved New Jersey shore, being surrounded by her family. Jean strived to look her best, and being a fashion-forward woman from a young age was something that gave her great pleasure. Some say cowboys die with their boots on; Jean passed away with her lipstick on.

Jean is predeceased by her husband of 62 years as well as her dear parents. She is survived by her devoted children Barbara (Robert) White (Stony Point, NY), William (Mary Pat) (Rochester, NY), Robert (Pomona, NY), Steven (Los Angeles, CA), and Ellen (Suffern, NY). Her grandchildren include Meghan (Brian), Andrew, Steven, Kelli (Nick), and Elizabeth (Gaurav). Her great grandchildren include Luca, Aidan, Jaya, Aarin, and Ryan. Jean is also survived by her cherished sisters Barbara Williamson of Clinton, WA, Patsy Priest of New City, NY, and Teri Shepard of Knoxville, TN, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Jean’s family and friends have lost a woman of true strength, kindness, and intelligence. She will be greatly missed by all that she touched. A special thanks to the wonderful caring staff at the Raso Hospice Center and also to Aunt Patsy Priest and cousin Patti Horan of New City.

Calling hours will be held at Higgins Funeral Home, 321 So. Main St., New City, NY on Friday January 04, 2019 from 3pm to 8 pm. Services and interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Joe Raso Hospice Center New City, NY or Tagaste Monastery Suffern, NY.