My sweet, pretty, smart, singing sister died Wednesday, June 5.
She fell asleep forever in her jammies in her favorite recliner/habitat in her nice Tacoma apartment. It was a merciful release from a plague of ill health: a hip replacement that never worked, painful osteoarthritis, unassuageable grief over the death of her best Justin, and a recent kidney failure that promised thrice-weekly dialysis forever.
Her humor, love of the Moody Blues, addiction to MSNBC and its sunny spirit, and 'Hawks/Huskies fanaticism persisted. Her loving neighbors lament their loss. I saw her twice, for several days each, in May, and called her nightly the past eight years. I'll never again talk to the only person who could answer "Did we have applesauce with pork chops every week when we were kids?" amid innumerable, nightly reminiscences, political uproars, sports digressions, and family chitchat.
We lost a spark.
Share this news freely. My email address book could never encompass her world.
Tina Keeney (nee Stockman, Weida) was born and raised in Seattle. She graduated with honors from Ingraham High School, Mills College, and the University of Washington (MEd).
Her life mission was teaching, following four generations of teachers in her extended family. Her early career in the Tacoma Public Schools included teaching special needs populations. She then retmned to her passion for history and psychology to teach for more than thirty years at Stadium High School. She was very active in student and school activities, and ardently advocated for social studies education. Tina was an accomplished gardener, seamstress DIY er; she enjoyed sailing, reading, writing, and music. (The Moody Blues transported her.).
She was known and loved for her quick wit, intelligence, personal integrity, and her passionate belief in equal opportunity and democratic principles.
She was predeceased by her parents Donald John Keeney and Phyllis, Christine Duelland by her beloved soulmate, Justin McAllister, in 2016. She is survived by her brother Scott (Roz) Keeney in Corvallis, Oregon; her niece, Allison Keeney, Portland; numerous cousins; scores of friends, especially her Stadium buddies; and the "girls," a beloved group of Seattle friends together for more than 50 years.
At her request, no services will be held. If you wish, donate to Stadium at https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/getmain?requestAction=home
''Cherish today, as tomorrow is not promised."
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