Veronica T. McKeen

 Veronica Theresa McKeen, age 71, of Bloomington, passed away at Orchard Manor Nursing Home on March 14, 2010. She had been suffering from  Lou Gehrigs disease and finally was released to heaven to be free of the chains placed on her body. Veronica was born on May 6, 1938, in Queens, New York, the daughter of Joseph and Marie (Graham) Murphy. She attended Catholic School in Queens. Veronica loved the west and she loved to travel. Her first venture was when she ran away from home at age 16 and she was found at Churchill Downs race track in Kentucky. She then moved to Arizona at 18 where she actually worked on a cattle ranch as a farm hand and went on real round ups. She also served in the Marine Corps Reserve as a young woman in San Diego, California. She had a massive stroke at 25 years old and re-taught herself to do everything from talking to walking. She was able to travel the world with her second husband, Joseph, when they lived in Asia for 15 years. She also had one very important best friend that was there for her through everything including her last battle named Kay Brubaker.

She is survived by two daughters, Virginia (James) Neeley of Bloomington, Wisconsin and Michelle Wilhelm of Pflugerville, TX. She has 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren (12^th one on the way).She had a niece, Virginia Shively from Florida that was more like a sister and life long friend as well. She also has much family, sister-in-laws,nieces,nephews and one brother, Kevin Murphy, in Long Island, NewYork.

Her husband Joseph E. McKeen Jr. passed away in August of 2008. She had 4 brothers and 2 sisters, 5 of which preceded her in death.

She had a spirit unmatched by anyone or anything and will be missed more than words can say by all who knew and loved her.She was a very incredible woman and was very much loved by her family and VERY well taken care of by the staff at Orchard Manor. Martin Funeral Home of Bloomington is in charge of arrangements. Memorial Services were held at St. Marys Catholic Church in Bloomington at 5:30 p.m. on March 25, 2010.