Joy M. Keating Obituary (1938 - 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