ROCKLAND — Frances A. Keene, 94, died peacefully, Friday July 29, 2022 at Bartlett Woods in Rockland.

Born in Rockland, July 7, 1928 she was the daughter of Carlton and Sally Ramsey Snow. She was educated locally, graduating from Rockland High School.

Following high school, Frances married her childhood sweetheart, Byron Keene. Together they made their home throughout the United States as they followed his career in Radiation Technology. They later settled in Massachusetts where Frances worked as a library assistant and research specialist, searching microfiche articles for information requested by MIT Scientist. After retirement, the couple returned to Rockland in 1989 where
they resided together until Mr. Keene’s passing in 2000.

Regardless of the community in which she lived, Mrs. Keene was an active and passionate member of the arts, always intent on bringing culture to her towns. She was a staunch supporter of the Rockland Public Library, volunteering many hours there, an active member and board member of the Rockland Shakespeare Society, as well as a passionate participant in many different civic theater productions. She was an avid reader with a vast vocabulary, a skill she used often, as she was a most formidable Scrabble opponent.

Family was of utmost importance to her, and she loved nothing more than spending time with them, especially at the family camp on the St. George River.

She will be sadly missed by all who loved her.

Predeceased by her husband, Byron in 2000; Mrs. Keene is survived by her son, Robert Keene and his wife Karen Shehade of Needham, Massachusetts; her sister, Sara Snow Glenn of Somerville, Massachusetts; her grandchildren, Tara J. McKenney and her husband Eli of Merrimack, New Hampshire, Davis, Ana and Grace Keene all of Needham, Massachusetts; as well as one great-granddaughter, Leah McKenney.

A memorial service in Mrs. Keene’s memory will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of the Rockland Public Library, P.O. Box 764, Rockland, Maine 04841.

To share a memory or condolence with the Keene family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.