Marie Therese Keenan

Marie Therese Keenan, 51, of Candia passed away July 31, 2008 at the Community Hospice House in Merimack with her family by her side, following a courageous three and a half year battle with ovarian cancer. A remarkable woman who inspired many by her strength and selflessness, she lived to do for others, especially her family. Even through her most trying times, she not once complained, maintained a strong sense of faith, and shared her warm smile. She was born on January 20, 1957 in Boston, MA, the daughter of the Helen M. (Zuidema) Desmarais of Nashua and the late Walter G. Desmarais. She was raised and educated in Nashua. Marie graduated from Mount Saint Mary Seminary in 1975. She attended Northeastern University and graduated in 1980. She was a communicant of St. Paul's Church in Candia. Marie was very loving and devoted to her husband, children and family. She sincerely cherished the joys of motherhood and raising a family. Her quick wit and contagious laugh always brought joy to those around her. Marie found pleasure in the simple things of life, including gardening, cooking and rides to the beach. She looked forward to her family vacations at the Cape and Newfound Lake, as well as her annual girls weekend away with her college friends. Her heartfelt laughter, storytelling, and good conversation will always be remembered. She was truly loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed. Through her work as a physical therapist at the Elliot Hospital, she touched several people's lives throughout her 28-year career. Most recently she was the clinical leader at Elliot Senior Health Center. She gave her patients strength and will be remembered for her caring professionalism, warm and generous guidance, and her loving spirit. Besides her mother, she is survived by her husband with whom she would have shared 27 years of marriage on September 12th, Patrick Keenan of Candia, daughter, Cynthia Lynn Keenan of South Boston, MA; two sons, Patrick John Keenan Jr. of Candia and Brendan Andrew Keenan of Candia; two sisters, Lorraine Desmarais of Nashua and Tricia Brannen of Goffstown; two brothers Mark Desmarais of Dunbarton and Bob Desmarais of Mont Vernon, her aunt, Lorraine Zuidema of Nashua, and several nieces and nephews. Calling Hours are at the Phaneuf Funeral Home, 243 Hanover St, Manchester on Sunday from 4-8PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday 10:00AM at St. Peter's Church, Auburn, Interment will be private. In Lieu of flowers, donations in Marie's memory can be made to an Ovarian Cancer memorial walk, team "Walkers for the Whisper", NOCC-NH, PO Box 207, Newbury, NH 03255 or to the Community Hospice House, 210 Naticook Road, Merrimack, NH 03054.