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Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Keener (née McKenzie)

August 2, 2014

Peacefully at her residence on Saturday, August 2, 2014, at the age of 69, after a courageous battle with cancer.  Beloved wife for 47 years of Wes Keener.  Loving mother of Stephanie Goddard (Andy) and Amber Hawrelak (Rob).  Cherished Grandma “Nee-Nee” of Megan, Brendan, Bennett, Gavin, Taylor and Jordyn.  Sister of Tom McKenzie (Cheryl), Mary MacDonald (the late Doug) and Nancy Van de Vooren.  Sadly missed by her in-laws, nieces, nephews and by extended family and friends.  Cremation has taken place.  The memorial service will be conducted at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, on Saturday, August 16th, 2014 at 2:00 p.m., with visitation and reception to follow.  At Beth’s request, friends are asked to wear bright colours!  The family extends special thanks to Dr. Chin-Yee, Dr. Garcia and Dr. Burke, and also to the Palliative Care Team whose kindness and concern were deeply appreciated.  Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Beth are asked to consider Myeloma Canada.

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Dear Amber, and family... I am so sorry for your loss. Beth was such a compassionate and kind person. I always enjoyed our chats and emails while she volunteered with Make-A-Wish. Please accept my sincerest sympathy.

~ Carissa

My thoughts and deepest sympathy to family and friends of Beth. I too remember Beth from Beck.

~ Diane Boyle

We too have very fond memories of Beth at Beck, remembering her warmth, her friendly smile and her enthusiasm for all things BCI. We send our heartfelt condolences.

~ Ann and Brian Arnold

I admired Beth very much while at Beck. Her smile was contagious and the warmth behind it shone through. I know she is sorely missed. May God be with her family in their grief.

~ Lynne (Reynolds) Johnson

Stephanie and family, I was so sorry to read of your mother's passing. Keep the many happy memories of the times you spent together close to your heart in the next few days. Please extend my sympathies to your family. Thinking of you.

~ Kathy Newnes

To Mrs Keener: Thank you for a life well lived! I had the privilege of knowing Mrs Keener as my kindergarten teacher 22 years ago. I don’t believe that any kid could ask for a better start to a schooling career, then to have had such a caring soul looking out for them. I last saw Mrs Keener at the Athletic Club about five years ago. She told me I could call her Beth, now that I was in my 20’s, but I think in my head she would always be Mrs Keener. The thing that amazed me at the time was how much she recalled of my classmates and I, even though it had been around 18 years since I had been in her class. To me, her memory of us was a testament to the love and care that she put into all of her students. Recently a question from one of my students about favourite teachers brought fond memories of Mrs Keener and a few other Masonville staff. My life has lived easier for having known Mrs Keener. My sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones. She will be missed by all who had the great fortune to know her.

~ Kyle Luck

Wes and Family, Heartfelt condolences. Beck "63"

~ Heather [McCullagh] Sutherland

My Sincerest Condolences to Wes & family. I have many fond memories of Beth as a fun, caring & good natured friend & classmate at Beck.

~ Marg (Kerr) Elson Comox BC

I will miss your smile and sunshiny disposition it was always a pleasure to serve you and Wes i always enjoyed our conversations . You will be missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing you Karen. Red Lobster

~ karen tucker

I know I speak for my sisters Lynda (Isaac) Wray, Jeanne (Isaac) Luther and Fran (Isaac) Wadham in expressing our sadness at Beth's passing. We all have fond memories from Beck days. We are thinking of you and your family Wes, and also all of the McKenzies and praying for God's peace.

~ Marj Booker (Isaac)

I know I speak for my sisters Lynda (Isaac) Wray, Jeanne (Isaac) Luther and Fran (Isaac) Wadham in expressing our sadness at Beth's passing. We all have fond memories from Beck days. We are thinking of you and your family Wes, and also all of the McKenzies and praying for God's peace.

~ Marj Booker (Isaac)

I feel priviledged indeed to have been a neighbor for a short while and wish so much it could have been years longer. I enjoyed spending time with both Wes and Beth and have many warm memories of our brief time together. Another Silversmith neighbor taken from us far too soon. Beth had a heart of gold and would do anything for you if she was able to. She was an absolute angel earlier this spring when I fell and fractured my elbow despite her own illness and difficulties. Her life has touched my heart on a very personal level and it aches for the entire family. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal" Thinking of you at this very difficult time and hoping your own wonderful memories will give you comfort as you learn to live life without this sweet, genuine, truly beautiful soul.

~ Lori Smyth

Dear Wes, we are so very sad to learn of Beth's passing. Please accept our most sincere condolences to you, your daughters and extended family.

~ Susanne & Allan Quan

Memories of Beth: nurturing spirit of motherhood; generous of heart, a presence that inspired; disarming smile that assured; inclusive, inviting, warm & giving. Her loss will leave a "space" never to be filled. But, this "space" will always be blessed." Del & Donna Wolsey

~ Del & Donna Wolsey

Dear Wes, We just returned from holidays and were saddened to learn the news about Beth. A very special lady - so gentle, patient and always ready to share a kind word. Her kind smile will be remembered by all. Our sincere condolences to you and your family at this time.

~ Janice and Dave McCarter

Deepest sympathy from Calgary, Alberta. I remember Beth from Beck days. Her lively smile is still the same. God bless you all.

~ Bonnie Wright

(Donated to Multiple Myeloma Foundation of Canada)

~ Rosalind & Charles MacDonald

(Donated to Multiple Myeloma Foundation of Canada)

~ Ian and Lesley Lightfoot

(Donated to Multiple Myeloma Foundation of Canada)

~ Jan and Ted Brown

(Donated to Multiple Myeloma Foundation of Canada)

~ Caolyn and Dave Sheppard

(Donated to Multiple Myeloma Foundation of Canada)

~ Todd and Erin Govier

(Donated to Multiple Myeloma Foundation of Canada)

~ Gary and Diana Scholl

(Donated to Multiple Myeloma Foundation of Canada)

~ Glen and Roberta Machan

(Donated to Multiple Myeloma Foundation of Canada)

~ Emily Dyson

(Donated to Multiple Myeloma Foundation of Canada)

~ Ken & Lesley Hawrelak

(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)

~ Margaret & Allan Francis

(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)

~ Betsy Hamilton

(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)

~ Mary-Lynne Hinton

(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation - Myeloma Foundation)

~ Alan & Connie Sargant

My deapest sympathy to the family for their loss

~ Donna Dynes ( Paton )

Dear Wes and family,our prayers and thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.Beth leaves behind a legacy of her in each of you.Our world is better for having you all as neighbours in London,Ont. many years ago.God bless you all as you continue to journey.

~ Gaylord and Teresa Styles

So sorry to hear of Beth's passing. I will always treasure the lovely memories of the McKenzie family (Auntie Bea and Uncle Art and our cousins)... and the famous "Watson Reunions" where a lot of fun and happy times took place in the lovely Springbank park.. Our thoughts and prayers to Wes, family and the McKenzie clan.

~ Jan and Nadine Watson

Wes and Family I feel priveledged to have been part of a very special ladies group and to be Book Club buddies with Beth over these past few years . Her caring and concern for others warmed the heart and her beautiful smile brightened the Spirit . She will be fondly remembered forever . My condolences to you all Sincerely Marilyn Casaubon

~ Marilyn Casaubon

Dear Wes and Family: Stu and I were deeply saddened to learn of Beth's passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. With Sympathy, Stuart and Cathy

~ Cathy Cunningham

Dearest Stephanie and Family, it was with great sadness and a heavy heart that I heard about the passing of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time. With much sympathy and love.

~ Michele Berube

Wes, You are with our thoughts and prayers at this time of sadness, Wes. Tom & Pat

~ Tom Binnington

Wes, Amber and Stephanie, We want you to know that our thoughts are with you at this time of loss. We understand that words are not a cure for heart ache, but also know that in time, the void left by Beth's passing will eventually be filled with memories of her deep love, her devotion and her caring. For us, we will always remember Beth because of her radiant smile, her quiet presence and the sparkling twinkle in her eyes when she spoke. These are the legacies Beth has left with us.

~ Ken and Ann Johnston

Deepest sympathies to your family on your loss.

~ Susan Summerby-Murray

Dear Stephanie and family, I was so saddened to learn of the loss of your dear mom. I know she was very well known for her expertise teaching kindergarten, and I am sure she got much joy seeing you carry on that legacy so ably. Please know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Wishing you all peace and love.

~ Ann McGregor

To Wes and the entire family. When I started my practice, Beth was one of my first patients. I will never forget her warm smiles and all the parental advice should would give me on raising children. Beth would always come by at Christmas time with a small token of her appreciation. I hadn't seen Beth for a little while and as fate would have it, I ran into her at Springbank park She told me she was diagnosed with Multiple myeloma. Even though she was facing cancer, she fought it with such grace and dignity. I am honoured to have known Beth. May god bless her and her entire family Ken

~ Ken Hou

Mr. Keener aka Wes, Amber and Stephanie and Family: I was deeply saddened to learn of the premature passing of beautiful Beth Keener. My memories of Beth go back over 40 years ago when I was privileged and honoured to have been a student at Riverside Public School. Since leaving London over forty years ago the lines of communication were kept open with "The Keeners". My life has been so enriched by the love I saw between Wes and Beth. My thoughts and prayers are continuing to be with you at this most difficult time. Russ Hansen

~ Russ Hansen

Wes, please accept my sincere sympathies. Remember the fun time we had in Florida. We will always remember her lovely smile.

~ Tom Telfer

Hi Wes. Thinking of you in your time of loss.

~ Robert Gooder

Wes, Please accept my deepest sympathy. Beth was an absolute joy to work with. Her dedication to her students, her skilled dealings with parents, her collegiality with other staff members and, most of all, her delightful and sometimes wicked sense of humour made her my all-time favourite person at Masonville. She inevitably found a way to inject fun into any activity and I have many fond memories of some of the pranks she pulled. I am so sad that you and your family have lost this special, special wife, mother and grandmother and hold you in my thoughts. Sincerely, Debbie Lefebre

~ Debbie Lefebre

Dear WES and family, I am so saddened to hear of Beth's passing. I have many happy memories of Beth, not only through our teaching careers but of our happy times at Beck many years ago. Please accept my sincerest condolences at this difficult time. Irene

~ Irene McDonald Pollock

You have lost someone very special, someone who touched many hearts.Thinking of you and wishing you comfort in the memories and the love that you shared.

~ Nora Christensen

My sincerest condolences to Wes, Stephanie, Amber and family! Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Beth was such an inspiration...I became a Kindergarten after volunteering with her. Her legacy will live on! Bless you all xo Sincerely, Michelle Hanna (nee Sack) ~Former neighbour in Peppertree~

~ Michelle Hanna (nee Sack)

Sending you lots of love during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you. xo

~ Susan Hocking

To Wes and family,I was very sorry to learn of Beth's passing.My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. It is such a blessing to have many happy memories to give you some comfort.

~ Mary Vernon

Dear Wes, You are held in my gentle thoughts and prayers. I feel so very deeply for you and your family at this time. May God keep dear Beth at peace and at rest. Take Care of yourself. Kathryn

~ Kathryn Patton

Dear Wes and Family, Please accept my condolences on the passing of Beth, a wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Beth always had a kind word about everyone around her. Take comfort in the memories that you have of her. RIP Beth, you are now no longer in pain and are watching down on your family.

~ Lori Anne

Hi Wes, from Charlevoix, Quebec. So sad to learn of the death of my age-mate,Beth, whom I have known since Beck days. It seems so many of us were inspired there to become educators. I hold many pleasant memories from the 60s in which you and Beth were a welcome part. More recently, we met again a few years ago at the annual Singing Auditorium, and after for food and appropriate beverages. Both of you seemed ageless. Who can ever forget Beth in her cute cheerleader attire. My thoughts are with you, and family, in this difficult time. Warm regards, Brad Myers

~ Brad Myers

Dear Mr. Keener: Please accept my condolences on the passing of your wife Beth. You and your family are in my thoughts at this sad time.

~ Debbie Clare (Pettit)

Dear Wes and Family: I was saddened to read of Beth's passing. She was such a gracious lady, one was always cheered by having spent a little time with Beth. How much more challenging for you, her special loved ones, to go on without her, but you will. That would be her wish for you.

~ Marilyn McRorie

Dear Wes and Family: I was saddened to read of Beth's passing. She was such a gracious lady, one was always cheered by having spent a little time with Beth. How much more challenging for you, her special loved ones, to go on without her, but you will. That would be her wish for you.

~ Marilyn McRorie

Beth and I began our teaching careers together at Northridge Public School in London. Beth was an outstanding teacher as well as being a gracious and beautiful lady. Wes. to you and your family, please accept my most sincere condolences the loss of a wonderful wife and mother. I had not seen Beth in many years but my warm memories of her will always provide some small comfort at this sad time. Ross Spettigue Windsor, ON

~ Ross Spettigue

Wes and family, Nancy and I were saddened to read of Beth's passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts. With deep sympathy, Paul

~ Paul Monger

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