Joy M. Keating
February 8, 1938 ~ November 2, 2017
SOUTH PORTLAND - Joy M. Keating, 79, died Thursday, November 2, 2017 at South Portland Nursing Home.
Born in Buxton on February 8, 1938, Joy was the daughter of the late Clarence and Gertrude (Bryce) Tapley.
She married John Keating in 1962 and together they made their home in South Portland where they raised their family. Joy's work ethic and loving devotion allowed her to raise 5 children while also enjoying employment throughout the years.
Throughout her life, Joy lost many people who meant the world to her, including her husband, her son, and her fiance. However, she did not let these losses define her. Despite the loss she experienced, Joy was a very caring, loving and devoted woman who always put others needs above her own. Her family was the most important aspect of her life. She will be deeply missed.
She is predeceased by her parents, Clarence "Bill" and Gertrude; husband, John; fiance Herbert "Bud" Wildes; son, Michael "Mikey" Keating; and brother, Robert Tapley.
She is survived by her children, Karen Emery and husband Ronnie of Athens, Shawn Keating and wife Julie of Gorham, Kelly Parker and husband Scott of South Portland and Jeannie Keating of South Portland; 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; sister, Carol Fickett and husband Richard of Gorham; brother, Donald Tapley and wife Berta of Buxton. She is also survived by her special cousin, Bruce Williams and her beloved chi-poo, Teddy.
Visiting Hours celebrating Joy's life will be held on Tuesday, November 7 from 5-7PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. To view Joy's memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the South Portland Nursing Home c/o Activities Fund, 42 Anthoine Street, South Portland ME 04106
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Jeanie and family I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was a lovely lady and friend. I was so happy to fit into the neighborhood with such nice ladies like your mom. She had a large family but still time enough to put into the neighborhood housing, schools and children who came to her home to be friends with all of you. May you rest in peace Joy and know that the neighborhood will be watching over your children like they always did. Love from an old friend Judy Sargent
– Judith Sargent
Joy it was always fun to come to your house growing up and Girl Scouts and making cookies
I always remember those days love you Lisa Nappi
– Lisa Nappi
Joy’s memory will be felt for a long time by her family, friends, and people who knew her in passing. She was a beautiful person who was able to make someone smile and her sense of humor and whit is somethings I remember well. A loving and care mentor to her family she lives on in the lives of those who knew her. A common meal, a pleasant jaunt to familiar location, and stories of how she expressed her love through the sharing of experiences all assist her to reach immortality which eventually evades us all. A
As we celebrate her life her humor, whit, and love for others is the comfort she gave to us and an experience we can share with others. She lives on in the hearts of those who knew her.
– thomas collins jr
Kelly, Jeannie and family…. Loosing a Mum is awful! But, after the “shock” you begin to realize it is over. You start to remember the wonderful times. The memories become very vivid. As time passes, little things that happen in your daily life reminds you of where you have been with her. You think, oh my goodness, that comment or that experience, or that thought I just had, reminds me of “Mum”. It’s wonderful memories and nothing can or will stop them from being part of your every day life. Your Mum, “Joy” will be with you forever!
– lmaed@aol.com