Catherine "Arlene" Rouen Keegan, 85, of Fairfield, beloved wife of 60 years of Thomas J. Keegan, Sr., died peacefully on June 3, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Minneapolis, Minn., she was the daughter of the late Clara Veronica O'Connell Rouen and Walter Joseph Rouen.

Her loving husband, and seven beloved children, Anne-Marie Keegan Reinhart and her husband Gregg of Newtown, Thomas J. Keegan, Jr, and his wife Patti of Fairfield, Terrence W. Keegan and his wife Gail of Fairfield, Maureen Keegan Ahlberg and her husband Jeff of Southbury, Peggy C. Keegan and her wife Karen of Boston, Patrick G. Keegan and his wife Sara of Atlanta, and Colleen M. Keegan de la Peña and her husband Victor Hugo of Fairfield; 19 cherished grandchildren; a dear sister, Bernadette Knaeble, of Chicago; a sister-in-law, Darlene Keegan of Oahu, Hawaii; and numerous nieces and nephews survive her.

She was predeceased by two sisters: Lorraine Willette and Helen Claire "Cal" Gelling.

Mrs Keegan had been a Fairfield resident since 1956. She was a graduate of the College of St Catherine in St Paul, Minn., where she received a bachelor's degree. Her career started as a kindergarten teacher in Minneapolis, where the children adored her, but she soon wanted to explore more of the world. She eventually deciding to leave teaching to join the newly budding airline industry as an airline hostess. It was during these travels that she met her husband, Tom. She continued teaching in various capacities in schools throughout the area, and then devoted her life to raising their seven children.

Mrs Keegan was an avid golfer and a longtime member of the Patterson Club. She was an accomplished, competitive bridge player. Music played an important part of her life, and she was a master pianist. She was a member of the Fairfield Welcome Wagon for many years. She and her husband were ardent supporters of the Mercy Learning Center in Bridgeport, where she volunteered teaching and was instrumental in many fundraising activities.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 6, at St Pius X Church, 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield, at 1 pm, to be immediately followed by entombment at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Fairfield. Following the cemetery, there will be a reception to celebrate Mrs Keegan's life for all those who would like to join. Prior calling hours have been omitted.

Memorial contributions may be made to St Catherine's University, 2004 Randolph Avenue, St Paul MN 55105.

For information or to sign an online guest register visit

www.spearmillerfuneralhome.com.