Loretta D. Keenan

Loretta D. Keenan (Donovan) of Quincy, passed away suddenly and peacefully December 7, 2024, at the age of 90, surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of 57 years to the late Philip J. Keenan. Loving mother of Paul Keenan (Retired Chief, QPD) and his wife Karen of Hanover, Matthew Keenan (QFD) and his wife Sandy of Hanover, Christine Koch and her husband Mayor Thomas of Quincy, Senator John Keenan and his wife Jeanne of Quincy, Joanne Nachatelo and her husband Marvin of Billerica, James Keenan of Quincy, and Catherine Maloney and her husband Michael of Quincy.

Loretta was the beloved daughter of the late Owen Donovan and Anna (Rooney) Donovan, the youngest of 8 children. She was the dear sister of the late Angela Donovan, Elizabeth Kraft, William Donovan, James Donovan, Virginia Keenan, Frances "Bunny" Otowchits, and Sister Mary Donovan. Loretta was the devoted and loving Nana to 20 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, and the beloved aunt to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Born in Boston, Loretta was raised in Roslindale, graduating from Roslindale High School. After high school she worked for New England Telephone. In 1956 she married her husband Phil, living as a young couple in Brighton, then Franklin, and settling in the Wollaston neighborhood of Quincy where they raised their 7 children. Loretta worked as a salesclerk at Filene’s in Boston and then as a receptionist at CNA Insurance in Quincy. She was a Cub Scout Pack 14 Den Mother and was active in Saint Ann’s Parish as a CCD teacher, member of the Mariannes, and in the church bowling league.

Loretta’s family was her life. She was an incredible mother, possessing a keen sense of what was going on in the lives of her children, and loved hearing the news from each. She was always guiding, nurturing, advising, and offering constant, unconditional love. Living independently until her passing, she spent Thanksgiving with her large family, especially enchanted with her great grandchildren. A woman of great faith, she passed holding the hands of her daughters, praying the Hail Mary and calling upon the Blessed Mother. Her father passed away when she was just 16 years old, she missed him every day and knew her passing was on the day that he had died. 

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday, December 15, 2024 from 2 – 6 PM at Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St, Quincy. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Saint Ann’s Church, 755 Hancock Street, Quincy, on Monday, December 16, 2024 at 10:00 AM. Interment at the Pine Hill Cemetery, Quincy. 

Donations may be made in Loretta’s memory to Daughters of Mary of Nazareth at Saint Joseph of Nazareth Convent, P.O. Box 690789, Quincy, MA 02269 (https://dmnazareth.org)