OLD TOWN – Elizabeth Lee (Arsenault) Keane, 75, died peacefully on sunny Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010, with her loving family at her side. Never has such a petite woman commanded such love and affection from such a large and extensive network of family and friends. Betty was a priceless gem; a kind and gentle person who would give you infinite love and attention, then ask if you needed anything else. She was a dedicated wife, a wonderful mother and a timeless friend. We will truly miss her. Betty was born Feb. 15, 1935, in Old Town, a daughter of father, Phillip and mother, Etta Arsenault. She attended St. Joseph’s Elementary School and graduated from Old Town High School in 1952. In 1954, she met the love of her life, Robert, and they were married June 4, 1955, and started raising their five children. Bob was from New York City and Betty immediately enriched the lives of his entire family with her kindness, grace and love. After her children were grown, she started a long and successful professional career as an administrative assistant of student affairs at the University of Maine, touching the hearts and lives of thousands of college students. She had three great loves: her extensive family, ice cream and games, especially crossword puzzles, trivia and cards. Betty was an original, a ferociously stubborn woman with the rare combination of beauty, kindness and compassion. She loved the outdoors, adventure and travel, especially with her family, and she loved trying new things, including becoming an avid skier, exploring Alaska and Canada with her motor home, and fearfully hiking scenic mountain trails. She was proud to say that she completed the trifecta of Maine outdoors: climbing Katahdin, canoeing the Allagash and biking carriage trails of Acadia. She had aspired to be a writer, a scholar and an international traveler, but instead she preferred to devote her immense talents and energies to raising her children and grandchildren. Ever committed to her faith, she was a lifelong catholic and attended church regularly to pray for her family and husband. After retirement, she dedicated her spare time to charity, Old Town Museum and KC Auxiliary, working tirelessly at her church’s food pantry, always deeply concerned about the poor and unfortunate. She is survived by her husband, Robert E. Keane of Old Town; son, Robert E. Keane II and wife, Elizabeth, and granddaughters, Hannah and Holly, of Missoula, Mont.; son, Steven P. Keane and wife, Marie, and grandchildren, Katlyn, Molly and Matthew, of Bethel; daughter, Kathleen M. Benoit and husband, Thomas, and grandsons, Patrick, John and Philip, of Orono; son, Gary J. Keane and wife, Theresa, and grandchildren, Meghan, Rachel and Sam, of Dover-Foxcroft; son, John P. Keane and wife, Mary, and grandchildren, Lauren and Robbie, of Bradley; sister, Joan M. Brissette of Bangor; brother, John Arsenault and wife, Leota, of Old Town; and sister, Rosalie A. Blenkhorn and her husband, Gary P., of Cape Elizabeth. She is also survived by 16 nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins. She had many devoted friends, which included her lifelong relationships with members of Jolly Juniors, Tuesday Card Club and Redhats. Visitation will be held 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Wednesday at Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord, Holy Family Church, Old Town. In lieu of flowers, non-perishable food items can be donated to Betty’s favorite charity, the food pantry at Holy Family Church. A food collection box will be available at the visitation and at the parish hall. Condolences may be left at www.birminghamfuneralhome.com. <
ELIZABETH LEE (ARSENAULT) KEANE
