Barbara Keegan, 83, of Nashua, NH died Monday, February 22, 2016 in the Mount Carmel Nursing facility in Manchester, NH. Barbara was born on May 26, 1932 in Boston, MA to Henry and Elizabeth (Morrison) Landers. She was one of five children: James Landers; Virginia (Landers) Joyce; Paul Landers; and Mildred (Landers) Lee all of whom preceded her in death. She graduated from the Gate of Heaven High School in 1952 and attended Boston University. She married her high school sweet heart John (Jack) Keegan on June 20, 1959, and moved to Nashua in 1960.
Barbara was a pioneer and activist for children with special needs and disabilities and was a founding member of both the Mount Hope School in Nashua and Special Friends of St. Christopher’s Church providing hundreds of young adults born with disabilities a lifetime of educational and spiritual enrichment. Barbara was active with the Catholic Church serving as an art teacher at St. Christopher’s school for nearly two decades, Eucharistic Minister, bereavement committee chair and volunteer for nearly any and everybody who needed support. Barbara will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her faith and for serving others in the greater Nashua community.
She is survived by a daughter Elizabeth A. Keegan of Nashua; son John F. Keegan and partner Michael McFayden of Washington D.C.; son Paul G. Keegan of Annapolis, Maryland; son Brendan P. Keegan and his wife, Dana A. Keegan of Nashua; grandchildren Veronica (Keegan) and her husband Staff Sergeant Edward Santoro, Justin Keegan, Kaylie A. Keegan, B. Patrick Keegan; and two great grandchildren Allegra Santoro and Nora Santoro.
The family would like to thank the excellent staff of Mount Carmel in Manchester for their care and compassion. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 28th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 29th at 11:00 am at St. Christopher’s Church, 62 Manchester Street, Nashua, with burial to follow at Edgewood Cemetery in Nashua along with a celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “Keegan Family Courage & Faith Foundation”, 39 Berkeley Street, Nashua, NH 03064. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com
