Mary Lou Keenan

HALIFAX/WORCESTER: Mary Lou (Whelan) Keenan, 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2026, after a short illness. Her husband, Richard L. Keenan, passed away in 2008.

She is survived by her sister, Nancy “Anne” Whelan; two nephews, David R. Whelan and his wife, Jen, Timothy R. Whelan and his wife, Lisa; a niece, Mary J. Whelan-True and her husband, John; and grandnephews and grandnieces. She was predeceased by two brothers, David C. Whelan and Timmy J. Whelan.

Mary Lou was born and raised in Worcester, daughter of the late Timothy F. and Mary D. (Clifford) Whelan. She was a dedicated elementary school teacher and high school administrator for 30 years, teaching in the Bridgewater Public School system. After retiring, her love of education intact, she became a supervisor of student teachers at Cambridge College. Prior to her career in public education, Mary Lou was a religious sister, with the Sisters of Notre Dame. She was a graduate of Ascension High School and earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education. She enjoyed travelling with her husband, Dick and her sister, Nancy, as well as reading and cooking.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12PM on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in St. John’s Church, 40 Temple St., Worcester. Calling hours will be held 10 until 11:30AM, on Wednesday, May 27, in the Callahan, Fay & Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester, prior to the Mass. Burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. John's Food for the Poor Program, 20 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 01604. Online condolences may be placed at www.callahanfay.com