Virginia Rose Keehan

Keehan, Virginia Rose
Age 91, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2017 at Beehive Home in Rio Rancho, where she resided for the past 4 years. Virginia was born in Chicago, IL in 1920 and was the fourth child of Michael and Rose (Singler) Keehan. She was predeceased by her brothers Richard (Eileen), William, Edmund "Bud", Robert (Gloria), and by her sisters Marguerite Dellman (Norman), and Rosemarie Audet (Paul).
Virginia is survived by her sister, Jeanne Hightower of Rio Rancho, NM; brother, Michael and his wife Marilyn of Kennett Square, PA; nephews, Michael, Stephen, Timothy Hightower and James Audet all residing in New Mexico, numerous nieces and nephews and their children residing across the United States. Virginia attended St. Barnabas Elementary School and the Academy of Our Lady High School in Chicago. She graduated from Chicago Teachers College in 1942. Her Career in education began with teaching in the inner city schools of Chicago. In addition to teaching in elementary schools, she tutored soldiers for the U.S. Army at Fort Sheridan, IL  in the summers during WWII.  Virginia Began her advanced educational studies in 1947, at the University of Southern California. Her formal graduate education continued at the University of Colorado where she received a Master's degree in 1949 and a Doctorate of Education in 1954.
Virginia moved to New Mexico in 1950 and was initially employed with the Albuquerque public schools and later the New Mexico State Department of Education in Santa Fe, Where she was the State Director of Guidance and Pupil Personnel Services. She was a children's advocate, promoting the best possible education and guidance for children to achieve the highest of educational goals for a better life. In 1964 she moved to Washington D.C. and served as the Director of the Program Division of the U.S. Job Corps until 1967. In 1967 she returned to her roots in Chicago, where she was a member of the staff of the Chancellor of the Chicago College School System. She was named President of Richard Daley Junior College in 1971, and remained in that position until her retirement in 1978. Virginia was a devout Catholic and lived her faith. No person was ever a stranger to Virginia. She liked meeting people, listened to their stories and was always ready to offer assistance to anyone in need. An extraordinary family communicator, she was the golden thread that united family by faithfully contacting members, far and near just to say hello. In her later years she was the first caregiver for her brother Bud, "Coach Keehan". Virginia will dearly missed by her family and friends who knew and loved her.  Visitation will be on November 13, 2017 at Sara Chapel in Rio Rancho, NM 8:00 - 9:15 AM. Rosary at 10:00 AM, Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Rio Rancho, NM. Gathering will follow at St. Thomas Parish Hall. Interment will be held at Mt. Calvary in Alb. NM, on November 13, 2017 at 1:30 PM.  To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com  
Daniels Family Funeral Services
4310 Sara Road SE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
505-892-9920