January 06, 2015

Dear McKeegans,

This is sad news, but it sent me into a reverie of times long ago. I can hear your Mother’s very warm chuckle now as well as then; she was always smiling and again, so warmly chuckling, like it was her signature sound.

And no beans were ever baked better than those Barbara baked, and there were lots of them, and along

with lots of incredible baked beans, we had lots of love from and for her. The way she came to the rescue when our Mom died and really truly saw us through those shocking days and the months of grieving that followed.

And then she ushered in Dad’s new bride later on, our dearest Fifi, into what must have been a totally different life than she had ever known. Barb adopted Fifi, became Fifi’s best friend, and probably gave her the safe space she needed during the adjustment to country life and a giant family. It was typical of Barb McKeegan, to make sure someone, everyone, wherever in her life, was okay.

Barbara McKeegan and Fran Matthews really showed the town how to dress. Every Sunday they came to church in beautiful suits, all dressed up and fashionable. And Barbara, of course, smiling. Even church and being serious couldn’t stop that smile, and that’s why God liked her so much, just like the rest of us.

I liked the McKeegans because Mom and Dad and Fifi liked them so much. They were very good friends – the best friends a family could have. Barbara, and Bob – I guess Bobby and Marion, Steve, Bruce, Peggy and Ginny were all younger than me.

One snowy Christmas day, we got snowboats and their first job was to haul the beautiful emerald green easy chair and footstool Bob and Barbara gave to Dad and Mom. There were big, leather shoulder slings on ropes to pull the snowboats with the huge Christmas present, and we went laughing all the way!

Picnics. Boy, Girl, were we lucky to have Barbara McKeegan looking out for us all through our young years – and as I learned from the obituary, she was always out there helping all kinds of people, not just us, the Kearneys – kids who needed mothers, poor people, sick people and the aged.

Among my early memories, too, are Mom’s bridge club get-togethers. Card tables with special snacks. The house all nice for this exciting occasional special event. The ladies were every one exotic, glamorous with red lipstick and dress-up clothes – could there have been corsages? – but,  the lady who made the magic happen, the one who set the stage for a good time and made Mom all happy, was Barbara, the wonderful, wonderful, smiling, warm-hearted, courageous and caring Barbara McKeegan.

Here is no loss. Here instead is the recognition and appreciation of how wonderful a person can be, a person right in your own life. I loved Barbara McKeegan because Barbara McKeegan loved me.

With so many treasured memories and gratitude,

Chub (Paul) Kearney
 

January 03, 2015

Dear McKeegan’s –

As my sister said, Barbara became a mother to several of us after our own mother died.  She was always welcoming and engaging. She had an infectious laugh and made the best baked beans ever.  Our famiies were together often and Barbara was often the heart of it.  I am so sorry she has gone and for your loss. She graced our lives as she did for many.  Monica L. Kearney

January 03, 2015

Dear McKeegan’s – Barbara was, as my sister said, a second mother when our own died.  Aways gracious and smiling , she always made us feel welcome – especially with her engaging laugh and the best baked beans I’ve ever had.  I am so sorry for your loss.  I have nothing but great memories of her and your family and ours. Monica L. Kearney

January 03, 2015

Barbara is a second mother to me when my own mother died. She provided love and hugs for several decades. May she rest in peace Deirdre S. Kearney 

January 03, 2015

Dear McKeegan family: I have so many fond memories of Barbara. I still wear a pair of earrings that she gave my mother for a birhday present, so am often reminded of her. I’m so sorry for your loss. Caroline Kearney

January 02, 2015

Dear Bruce and family – We are so saddened by your mother’s death. She is missed in Delh. She was a lovely person, comitted to her community, and a good friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless, Tom and Katherine O’Connell

December 30, 2014

I am very sorry for your loss. Mrs. McKeegan was a lovely lady. Nancy Smith

December 28, 2014

Mr. Robert McKeegan and family:  As an employee of Central Penn Nursing it was a pleasure serving your family and getting  to know Barbara.  She was a fine and courageous woman.  I am  very sorry for your loss.  Alice Gibble, LPN