BAR HARBOR – Eleanor L. Keene passed away Nov. 24, 2006, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born Feb. 25, 1926, in Blue Hill, the daughter of Robert and Mildred (Hooper) Clough Fletcher and Henry Fletcher. She graduated from New Britain Connecticut High School. She came to Bar Harbor summers where she met and married Oliver M. Keene. They had four children. She enjoyed being a Brownie and Girl Scout leader and a Cub and Boy Scout leader. Eleanor babysat for many children in Bar Harbor, attended PTA meetings, Rainbow Girl assemblies, pinewood derby’s, as well as soapbox derby’s. She was always surrounded by kids, her son’s band members and her daughter’s friends. She worked summers for Mamie and Frank Smith in Hulls Cove, and cooked at the Bar Harbor Club. Later in life, she worked at Mount Desert Island Hospital in the obstetrics department, caring for newborns and their mommies. Eleanor bowled at the old YMCA, Bar Harbor, as well as Hillside Lanes and at Eastward Lanes, Ellsworth. She was the state of Maine woman’s champion several times and came in second place in the world’s tournament in Massachusetts. She traveled all over the state of Maine, bowling and selling Coppercraft. After retirement, she did volunteer driving for WHCA for 23 years, where she met many wonderful people during her travels, but always still had time for her family and friends. She is survived by her 102 years young mother; a daughter, Barbara (Keene) Hamblen and her husband, Richard, of Seal Harbor; sons, Roger and Michael Keene, both of Bar Harbor; a daughter, Jean Keene-Vance, also of Bar Harbor; a brother, Paul Clough of Bar Harbor; five grandchildren, Jackie (Hamblen) Ranco, Roger Keene II, Barbara (Keene) Gardner, Scott Keene and Fletcher Keene; six great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and lots and lots of wonderful friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Oliver; her father and stepfather; a sister, Donna Hamor; a nephew, Chuck Hamor; and a son-in-law, Maynard Vance Sr. A memorial service will be held 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, at The Church of Our Father, Hulls Cove. Those who wish, may donate in her memory to The Church of Our Father, P.O. Box 186, Hulls Cove, ME 04644. Arrangements by Acadia Burial & Cremation Direct, 248 State St., Ellsworth.
ELEANOR L. KEENE
