KEOGH, Patricia (Markey) of Wayland and Centerville MA; May 2, 2018.
Patricia (Markey) Keogh, beloved family member, lifelong educator, and endearing friend, passed away peacefully on May 2nd 2018 on Cape Cod, surrounded by her family. Pat cultivated a love of reading and learning among generations of young students through her passion for children’s literature, and brightened the lives of the overlooked and underserved through friendship and charity. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Pat was born on February 20th 1938 in Boston, Massachusetts to Rose (Sullivan) Markey and William Francis Markey of Auburndale, where she grew up. She and her younger siblings, brother William Francis Markey Jr of Osterville MA and late sister Connie (Markey) Pickett, enjoyed summers on Cape Cod and visiting relatives in Holyoke, MA. She attended Newton High School, and graduated from the College of St Elizabeth in New Jersey with a degree in English (BA). Pat held two Master’s degrees in Educational Media (EdM) from Boston University, and from the Center for the Study of Children’s Literature (MA) at Simmons College. Pat would give back to these schools and many more throughout her distinguished career.
In 1978, Pat married Michael Keogh, whom she met through a shared love of Irish music. She and Michael were married nearly 40 years until his death last year, and lived in Wayland and Centerville MA on Cape Cod. They enjoyed the Red Sox, traveling New England together by car, rail and cruise ship, supporting the arts and artists, spending time with their many friends, and their dog Hartley.
Pat was the Elementary Librarian for Weston Public Schools from 1965 until her retirement in 2004, having established the first libraries at the Field, Country and Woodland schools. For 30 of her 40 years teaching, she was also an adjunct professor, teaching at numerous schools and universities throughout the Boston area. In retirement, she was a sought-after reviewer of children’s books, frequent speaker, consultant and advisor to educators and programs nationally.
She served as the President of the Foundation for Children’s Books for many years, and as co-chair of its Program Advisory Committee. In 2016, Pat was awarded the Peggy Hallisey Lifetime Achievement Award by the Massachusetts School Library Association.
Pat led a complete life, defined by caring for others. She inspired knowledge and laughter among children, song and celebration with her friends, and love and joy within her family. She did not let obstacles limit her embrace of the world, nor desire to include and inform others, most especially those with fewer of life’s advantages. We honor her example by living her values: reading and teaching, giving and caring.
Visitation will be Friday, May 11th from 4-8PM at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St (Rt.16) in Wellesley. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 12th at 11:30AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, 9 Glen Rd in Wellesley Hills. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to programs for underserved youth at http://www.wondermoreboston.org/ and https://www.jerichobeca.org/