NEW BEDFORD — Janice B. McKeachern, age 84, of New Bedford, died on Friday, the 1st of October, 2010, after a period of declining health at New Bedford Jewish Convalescent Home.
A lifelong city resident, she was born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Daniel H. and Edith (Crapo) McKeachern. She was a graduate of New Bedford High School, and then studied nursing at Newton-Wellesley Hospital and in later years she received her graduate degree in nursing at Boston University.
For many years, Janice was employed at St. Luke's Hospital. She then joined a small group of nurses to establish the nursing program at Southeastern Mass. University — now UMass Dartmouth. After several years as a Professor of Nursing at the University, she retired in 1989.
Janice was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church serving on the vestry, altar guild, the scholarship committee and a member of the former twenty-thirty club.
She was predeceased by her sister Avis McDonald and her brother Daniel C. McKeachern. She is survived by nieces in Texas.
Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2010, at noon, in All Saint's Chapel of Grace Church, 422 County St., New Bedford, followed by a reception in the South Room of Grace House. Remembrances maybe made in her name to the Food Pantry of Grace Church, 133 School St., New Bedford, MA 02740. Burial in her family plot in Rural Cemetery is Private. Arrangements are with the Wilson Chapel, 479 County St., New Bedford, Ma