Patricia A. (Minigell) Keelan-Carr
Published Date
Patricia A. (Minigell) Keelan-Carr, 79, formerly of Brownfield, Maine, resident of Fryeburg Healthcare Center, died Sunday, June 10, 2012 of natural causes at Bridgeton Healthcare Center.
"Patty" was born Dec. 1, 1932, in Salem, Mass., the second child of Vincent and Dorothy (Lebro) Minigell. She graduated from Ste. Chretienne Academy in 1950 and attended Salem State College. She married Paul W. Keelan in 1956 and raised three children.
After divorce in 1980, Patty moved with her two teenage sons and loving companion, Bill Carr, to Denmark, Maine. Her own family had history there and Patty held happy memories of the lakes and mountains and scent of pine needles in the sun. She soon considered herself a "Mainer" — never wanting to live anywhere else. Her best friend and sister, Elaine, lived just down the road. For years, Pat, Bill and Elaine, "The Three Musketeers", as they called themselves, would hop in the car as often as possible touring beautiful southern Maine and Down East, creating a treasure trove of new memories. Eventually the trio moved to Brownfield.
She retired from the catalog department as supervisor at JCPenney in North Conway where she worked for 20 years. At Penney's she formed true and lasting friendships. When Patty and Bill married in 1997, they had a full life together to look back upon, which made the celebration even sweeter.
Patty was an accomplished crewel embroiderer - winning several awards at the Fryeburg Fair. She loved classical music and the performing arts, 'tootling' down forgotten roads to discover the old houses, and any excuse to go antiquing. She was a great cook and hostess and looked forward to occasions for friends and family to gather at her lovely home. Patty was happiest when tending her exquisite gardens, bending to greet a new bud or yank out a threatening weed. Her old-fashioned roses were a feast for the senses.
She leaves her family embraced in her warmth, love and inner strength. She was gentle and good, intelligent, funny and interesting, thoroughly delightful, simply wonderful to be near and had a laugh that would make your day. If you knew her, you loved her. Chances are she loved you too. Patty's loss is deeply felt. We are grateful her life and our memories.
Patricia was predeceased by her sister, Elaine in 2010; mother, Dorothy in 2006, father, Vincent in 2003; brother, Anthony in 1999; and husband William Carr in 2002.
Patricia is survived by granddaughter, Katherine May Keelan-Black, daughter, Elaine Paez; son John Keelan, Joseph Keelan and partner, Raymond Gagnon, first husband, Paul Keelan, son-in-law Jack Paez, sister-in-law, Mary Minigell, several nieces, nephews and their families.
The family wishes to thank Mom's special caregivers at Fryeburg Healthcare Center. Their love and support has been a great comfort these past three years. A funeral mass will be held at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton's in Fryeburg, Saturday, June 23, at 1:30 p.m. Services arranged by Wood Funeral Home in Fryeburg. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.org.
