Obituary of Mary Veronica McKeon

VERONICA MCKEON (nee Barr), suddenly, at Victoria Hospital on Wednesday, August 24, 2016. Veronica was born in Athlone, Ireland, and graduated from University College, Dublin. After a successful teaching career in Ireland, she struck out for adventure in Canada in 1967. Her first posting was North Bay where she became fully acquainted with the Canadian winter. She swiftly sought a new post further south in London, Ontario, where she taught elementary school for many years. In 1976 she met Patrick McKeon, a widower and professor at Western University; the initial spark was their mutual pride in their Irish roots. They married and spent 2 years in Switzerland, where Patrick worked for the World Health Organization. On return to London, they became devoted members of the congregation of St. Martin of Tours church. After Veronica's retirement, adventure called again and she travelled to the Holy Land and to New Zealand, considering both trips as highlights of her life. Some years after Patrick's death, Veronica moved to the Royalcliffe Residence, where she began to enjoy life again, make new friends, and attended St. John the Divine Parish Church. Veronica was an avid reader, a keen theatre-goer, and a defender of animals. Her quiet sense of humour and her kindness will live as memories in the hearts of all who knew her. She is survived by her siblings Frances, Michael and Carmel, her stepchildren, Kevin and Maureen, her nieces and nephews David, Anne, Niamh, John, Paul, and Robert, and their children Mia, Sean, Sophia and Adam. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. John the Divine, 390 Baseline Rd. W, London, Ontario, on Monday, August 29, 2016 at 10 a.m. Flowers appreciated.