Debby Keenan

Deborah Louise McAuliffe Keenan of Saint Louis, Missouri, daughter of the late Edward Clifford McAuliffe and Margaret Mary Gallagher, departed her earthly home on Sunday, December 21, 2014, surrounded by her loving and abundant family. A native of Oak Park, Illinois, Debby gave meaning to the term “larger than life.” She was a national finalist in the Pillsbury Bake Off—not once, but twice. A gifted actress, she was loud, full of laughter, and never met a stranger. She could nail any accent, and in her volunteer work with Ready Readers, she used this talent to read books to underprivileged and hospitalized children with a unique voice for each character. And when Debby sang with her five siblings, she could find that harmony line that would give everyone in the room goosebumps.

Debby was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme in January 2014. She lived her final eleven months with an incomparable zest and adventurous spirit. We will miss her heart and soul.

She is survived by her husband William J. Keenan, MD, formerly of Sacramento, CA. Seven children: Peter, Maura (Schiller), Brian, Daniel, Terrence, Aileen, and Timothy. Fifteen grandchildren: Ella, Louisa, Elise, Maria, Thomas, Deirdre, Kyla, Timothy, Evan, Franciszek, Edward, Claire, William, Farris, and James.