Obituary of Ann Florence Keeley

Ann Florence Keeley (née Aherne) passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at the age of 79 after a courageous battle against Myasthenia Gravis and Cancer; neither of which were able to diminish Ann’s grace and spirit. Ann was predeceased by her loving husband Edward Keeley. She is survived by her children Edward (Anne) and Diane (Wes); her grandchildren Jamie  (Jonathan), Shannon (Tyler), April (Connor), and Devlin; great grandchildren Braedon, Hudson, and Connor; her siblings Patrick (Sheila), Rose (the late Trevor), and Martina (the late Gerry); and a host of loving relatives including cousins, nephews, and nieces in Canada, Ireland, Guernsey, United Kingdom, and Germany. She will be deeply missed by all of her family, friends, and those who were fortunate enough to experience her light, her compassion, her strength, and her love. A private family inurnment will take place. 

In lieu of flowers, in memory of Ann, please consider a donation to the Ottawa Dog Rescue, it would be greatly appreciated.

We are all heartbroken here in Canada and across the sea as we say goodbye to the one who we have all cherished and sought after as our never ending source of light and love. We find comfort in knowing that your essence is a part of us and will continue to resonate in our souls, and indeed we are finding the symbols you have told us to look for which were present immediately upon your passing as you said they would be- heart shapes in the rock by the sea as your sisters and their families threw flowers in your honor, flocks of birds landing by your loved ones in the back garden. We will continue to feel your presence on every sunny day and in every gentle breeze; we will feel your embrace in the warmth of blankets and as we sit by the fire. It is with gratitude for a well lived life together, and a happy one, that we will remember you always. You set a beautiful banquet table of life at which all were welcome. You stood up to all adversities, whether your own or for others, with grace, strength, courage and love; which you generously and effortlessly shared with every individual who had the good fortune to know you. You always wisely reminded your children even in our childhood of the proverb, “There but for the grace of God go I,” teaching us the most valuable lesson of life- to never pass judgment but to consider instead the lived experiences of every human being. You have taught all that have known you to look for hope and optimism in any and all circumstances. To all of those who are mourning the loss of this magnificent woman, know that she would want you to find joy even in these moments as you did when you all showed up for her in these final weeks to say goodbye, sharing laughter and song as she always loved to do, sharing the passions of the Irish in the most heartfelt ways. Let us all imagine this beautiful, smiling woman now joining her beloved husband and her previously deceased loved ones sharing a song and dance in a grand hoolie in the skies above us here and across the sea.