The world needs more like her: In memory of Effie Keen
ARCADIAN PHOTO BY THOMAS SIMMONS
Effie Lou Keen, was an administrator at South State College in Arcadia. She passed away Jan. 7 after a struggle with colon cancer.
ARCADIAN PHOTO BY THOMAS SIMMONS
The family of Effie Lou Keen gathered for a celebration of her life at Morgan Park in Arcadia on Saturday. Pictured, from left, are Eirik Dahlgren, Sierra Irving, Thomas Dahlgren, Christian Haas, Kim Dahlgren, Miranda Marino, Wendy Walters-Haas, Luke Dahlgren, Liam Haas, Crystal Marino, Noah Haas, Robert Haas, Juju Rogers, Emiko Walters, Edlyn Walters, Tate Walters, and Taleah Walters.
ARCADIAN PHOTO BY THOMAS SIMMONS
Ian Keen, nephew of Effie Keen, shares his tribute for her life with those who gathered at the shelter in Morgan Park in Arcadia on Jan. 12 to celebrate her life of loving dedication to her family and community. He described her as caring, loving, strong, tough, and truly an inspiration to us all.
How would you honor a loved one who just passed away? One family recently found themselves in need of an answer to that question. Effie Lou Keen, held in high esteem by her friends and family, found that she had colon cancer and there was little hope for effective treatment. The family asked her what they should do in face of her death. Her reply was a request that there be no formal funeral service, and that the family instead gather to celebrate her life before she died.
However, before the gathering could take place, she passed away on Jan. 7. The family decided to have the gathering as planned. On Saturday, family and friends gathered at Morgan Park to celebrate the life of their mother, aunt, grandmother, friend, community leader and school administrator.
