Elizabeth P. Keen

Elizabeth (Betty) P. Keen, 79, of Orange, beloved wife of 55 years to Lawrence Peter Keen, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 5, 2022. Born on March 5, 1943 in New London, CT, she was the daughter of the late John C. and Elizabeth (Davis) Potkay.

After graduation from Annhurst College with a degree in English, she began her teaching career at St. Christopher School in East Hartford where she met her husband to be, Peter.  She later spent 10 years teaching nursery school.  Betty and Peter lived in East Hartford for many years before moving to Orange later in life to be near their daughter. 

Always one to appreciate nature, Betty enjoyed yardwork, caring for pets, and gardening, as she loved to grace her home with bouquets of fresh cut flowers.  Reading was a daily pleasure. Yearly beach gatherings with family and friends were always eagerly anticipated and created wonderful memories.  In her later years, her grandchildren were her pride and joy and she loved attending their school concerts and soccer games.  Betty was very dedicated to her family.  She also enjoyed having stimulating conversations with her many friends at Maplewood Assisted Living in Orange.

In addition to her husband, Betty is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth (Paul) Stoltenberg; her grandchildren, Ian and Kate; her sisters, Barbara Rommelfanger and Joan (E.J. Jennings) Potkay, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.  Betty was predeceased by her brothers-in-law, John Rommelfanger, Charlie Keen, Gerard Keen, and Father Robert Keen.

Betty will be dearly missed by all who knew her over the years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 13 at 12:00 pm, at Holy Infant Church located at 450 Race Brook Road Orange, CT.  Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Elizabeth’s name to the Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point at ctaudubon.org.  

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