Submitted by: John C. Monk

Marcella K. Keating

Mar. 11, 1908 - Mar. 21, 2010
SOUTH BEND - Marcella Kathryn Keating, 102, residing in South Bend, passed away at 7:40 p.m. Sunday, March 21, 2010 in the Meadows Health Care of Southfield Village. Marcella was born March 11, 1908 in Fort Wayne, IN, to Walpole & Hannah (Donahue) Conners. She graduated from St. Catherine's Academy in 1926, and was an office manager with Fort Wayne Corrugated, Inc. for fourteen years. Marcella came to South Bend in 1940 when she married James E. Keating on November 9th in the Log Chapel at Notre Dame. She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen (Richard) Quigley of St. Clair, MI; and son, James E. (Holly) Keating, Jr. of Orlando, FL Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Brian (Barbara), Daniel (Jodi), Michael (Kim), Sean (Linda), Colin and Kevin (Diane) Quigley, and Christopher and Alicia Keating, sixteen great-grandchildren, Kyle, Ehren, Brendan, Cody, Evan, Ryan, Jessica, Kellie, Jacob, Allison, Aimee, Connor, Delaney, Maeve, Logan and Riley Quigley. Marcella was preceded in death by her husband James E. Keating Sr. on June 21, 1967, and her youngest son, Kevin (Patti) Keating. Marcella was active in various clubs and organizations. She was a member of Lawyer's Wives and held offices within that organization. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, South Bend, and the Christ Child Society for many years. She and her husband belonged to Married Folks and Shoe and Slipper dance clubs in the 1950's. They also enjoyed memberships in the Optimist, Indiana, and Elks clubs. Marcella socialized with lady friends through birthday and bridge clubs, one bridge club spanning more than 60 years. She also enjoyed travel and theater. Her friends often remarked on her beauty and excellent memory. She was an elegant lady who enjoyed pretty clothes and polite society. It was especially hard for her to have outlived many of her good friends. New friends came into her life in 1996. Bob & Lillie Sheehan extended services and companionship that eased her advancing years. Their willingness to drive to appointments and shopping and visit prolonged her independence and enhanced her quality of life. Marcella moved to Assisted Living at Southfield Village in 2003. She entered Health Care there in 2005. The family is grateful to all members of the wonderful staff for their care and compassion. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 25, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, South Bend. The family will receive friends one hour prior to Mass at the Church. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN. The Palmer Funeral Home-Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, is serving the Keating Family. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that all donations in memory of Mrs. Keating be offered to Christ Child Society, 308 So. Scott St., P.O. Box 1286, South Bend, IN 46624. Online condolences to the Keating family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

Published in South Bend Tribune on March 23, 2010