Catherine E. Keeney

GARDNER - Catherine E. Keeney died unexpectedly, but peacefully in her sleep, December 6, 2016. Cathy was born April 5, 1961 in Gardner to Norma S. (Pederson) Keeney and Richard E. Keeney. Cathy was a lover of music her entire life. She was inseparable from her headphones and spent her free time listening to all genres of music. She would grudgingly stop to eat and in her youth watch the occasional professional wrestling match, a 60 Minutes episode, and particularly followed the travails of Luke and Laura on General Hospital. She enjoyed candle pin bowling and going to the movies. She was active in the Special Olympics for many years. She loved arts and crafts, especially coloring. She loved to look her best and would always light up a room. Her presence always brought a smile to your face. She had quite the sweet tooth and she especially loved chocolate and strawberry ice cream. She attended day program services at the Arc of Opportunity in Fitchburg for over 25 years and spent the last couple of years in their Elder Service Program, which she very much enjoyed. As much as she enjoyed her days there everyone looked forward to seeing Cathy as well. For the past 13 years she shared her life with her foster care family, Mark, Susan, Olivia and Ella McClurken and Eric Neilsen. She loved to travel. She enjoyed going on her extended family’s yearly trip to Salisbury Beach. Over the past few years she visited Florida, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine enjoying each new experience. She leaves her brother, John A. Keeney, and his wife, Michelle M. (Poirier) Keeney of Gardner. In Cathy’s memory donations can be made to the CBDS Program at the Arc of Opportunity, 564 Main St., Fitchburg, MA 01420 A funeral service will be held Wednesday, December 14th at 11:00 am at Lamoureux-Fletcher Smith Funeral Home, 105 Central Street, Gardner. Burial will follow in Crystal Lake Cemetery. A calling hour will be held Wednesday, December 14th from 10:00-11:00 am at the funeral home. Funeral services are under the direction of Lamoureux-Fletcher Smith Funeral Home, 105 Central Street, Gardner. To leave an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com.