Obituary of Mary Catherine (Hagemann) Keegan

Mary Catherine (Hagemann) Keegan, 87, passed away on June 23 after a long illness. Mary Catherine was born in Syracuse, New York on March 31, 1937 to the late Veronica and Frederick Hagemann. She graduated from St. Patrick’s School in 1956, where she was a member of the Charity Guild sorority.

Mary Catherine worked at the New York Telephone company in the accounting department until her children started school. Then her life as the ultimate volunteer began. She could do it all! While her children were attending Roberts School she was the part-time librarian, full-time lunch aide, active in the PTO as a contributing member and as president. She ran the concession stand for Southside American Little League. She was active in church activities including: working BINGO nights, and cooking for different fundraisers. In the time between her children growing up and grandchildren being born, she actively volunteered at Community General Hospital in the gift shop and the front desk along with being an active member of the Town of Onondaga Republican Committee. She was a dedicated Republican supporter until 2016. When her grandchildren attended Most Holy Rosary, she volunteered there as a lunch monitor. She loved attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. Throughout her adult life, she loved spending a couple of weeks every summer on Sebago Lake in Maine. The lake was a great place for many cherished family memories. She enjoyed getting away for the winters in Hilton Head, SC and offering up a place to stay for family while down there. In later years, she enjoyed her home as a place of comfort and a place of family gathering. Family was so important to her.

A very special thank you goes to long time friend and baking partner Nancy Farewell, for her friendship and companionship over the years. Mary Catherine always looked forward to her visits and phone calls. Further, the family wants to thank Dr. Theresa Lipsky for her kindness and care that she showed over the years. Mary Catherine and her family are so thankful to Marissa Claudio, Cheryl Trembley, Father Fred Mannara, Taunton Fire Department, and Hospice of CNY.

Mary Catherine is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Michael Keegan, her children Mary Pat (Jamie), Thomas (Mary), and James (Susan); her grandchildren, Conall, Russell, Lucille, and Catherine; her brothers, Frederick (Patricia) Hagemann, Robert Hagemann; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Eleanor Hagemann Jonas.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at 10am at Most Holy Rosary Church, Syracuse. Calling hours will be held Monday July 1, 2024 from 4-6pm at Edward J. Ryan & Son. Private burial will be at Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Most Holy Rosary School: 111 Roberts Ave., Syracuse, NY 13207 or Taunton Fire Department:4300 Onondaga Blvd, Syracuse, NY 13219.