Obituary of Jacqueline Baine Keeley

Following a long illness, Jacqueline (Jackie) Keeley passed into eternal rest on September 14, 2023. She was at home surrounded by her family.

 

Jackie was born to parents Neva Ready and John Reid Baine on June 14, 1939, in Cambridge, MA.

 

Jackie grew up in Weston, MA attending local schools. She graduated from Walnut Hill School in Wellesley, MA.  She was presented to society at the Country Ball in Concord, MA.

 

After receiving an Associate of Arts degree from Marymount College in Arlington, VA, Jackie relocated to New York City where she became employed in corporate human resources responsibilities. In one memorable assignment, she was associated with global cosmetics firm Helena Rubenstein, Inc. while the flamboyant founder was still active in management. Working with “Madame” was unique.

 

In New York City, she met her future husband at a gathering of mutual friends. They married on September 18, 1965, and began a 58-year journey together.

 

When a New York apartment became too confining for their expanding young family, the couple selected Darien, CT, for their first home in October 1968. Jackie quickly plunged herself into assorted local activities. She became active with the Yellow Balloon Thrift Shop and other Junior League programs. She played tennis at Middlesex Swim and Tennis Club and other venues around town. Later, Jackie devoted herself to the Darien Community Association. She was elected to the Board of Directors and served for many years. In that capacity, she directed the DCA’s philanthropic activities and co-managed its annual Holiday Bazaar craft show fund raiser.

 

All the while, Jackie was managing a household and being an attentive mother to her three children. She was noted for hosting holiday gatherings for large numbers of extended family members.

 

An appetite for travel motivated numerous family adventures. The children were included in these beginning in their toddler years. Eventually, a second home was added in Colorado ski country which provided a base for years of enjoyment. Jackie didn’t ski but she excelled in utilizing her decorating skills to create an inviting setting for relaxation and entertaining. Exploring nearby mountain towns provided Jackie with never-ending stimulation.

 

Retirement years arrived and the lure of warmer climes beckoned to Jackie and Ed. Leaving Darien in 2006 following nearly forty years, they relocated to Hilton Head Island, SC. Travel continued with many cruises to destinations around the world.

 

Survivors, in addition to her husband, include her three children, Karen Keeley (Scott Wright), of Hilton Head Island, SC, Brian Keeley (Christine) of Winterport, ME and Kimberly Keeley (Joseph Rabita), of Norwalk, CT; two granddaughters, Rosalind Sylvester (Noah) of Sequim, WA and LillyAnne Keeley of Winterport, ME; two great-grandsons Boaz Sylvester and Lazarus Sylvester of Sequim, WA; her sister, Neva B. Murphy, of Peabody, MA; sister-in-law Kathleen Baine of Bluffton, SC as well as  numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Special affection is deserved for Joyce Savior, Jackie’s loving caregiver for a decade.

 

Jackie was predeceased by her sister Deborah Baine and her brother J. William Baine.

 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Darien, CT on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 10:30 am followed by interment at Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Memory Matters, 117 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926.