Jane Keegan, a longtime resident of Cazenovia, died peacefully on May 15, 2023, with her children by her side, in Clearwater, FL, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 84 years old.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on March 25, 1939, she was the only child of Joseph Fields and Janet Feeny. She married the late John Keegan on Jan. 16, 1960, in Bronx, N.Y., and shortly thereafter they moved to Cazenovia, where they would reside until 2020. Together they enjoyed a 62-year journey that included raising two children, countless friendships, and frequent adventures. They were active parishioners of St. James Catholic Church, founding members of the Cazenovia Country Club and supported numerous civic organizations throughout the years.
Jane was a passionate advocate for the arts and an avid supporter of local art, music and theater. She worked for nearly two decades at Cazenovia Abroad where she could promote the commerce of local artisans. She was also a dedicated volunteer, and involved in several organizations, including Syracuse Stage, the Art Park of Cazenovia, to name just a few. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, and her compassion and generosity touched the lives of many people.
Her passion for theater led her to pursue roles on her own, and in 1987, she began an acting career that spanned more than 20 years and saw her perform in Syracuse Stage productions, in local theater companies like Theater 90, and in numerous productions over the years. She performed in more than two dozen plays and musicals, including leading dramatic roles in “Torch Song Trilogy” and “Steel Magnolias” and as part of ensemble casts for musicals such as “Annie” and “42nd Street,” often with her husband John working behind the scenes and occasionally joining her on stage.
Jane is survived by her daughter Jennifer Yackel; her son Michael Keegan and his partner Laura; her niece, Laura Fanning; and her granddaughters Noelle Yackel and Maura Keegan. She is preceded in death by her husband John and her parents.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Michael E. Brown Funeral Services, 2333 Fenner Road in Cazenovia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at St. James Catholic Church, 6 Green St., Cazenovia with Rev. Kevin Corcoran as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. James Cemetery. Contributions in Jane’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association online at act.alz.org. Condolences may be left at michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.
