A private family service is being planned for Marilyn “Annette” Keen, 63, Lawrence, KS. Marilyn passed away on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at LMH Health.
Marilyn was born on January 5, 1959, in Houston, TX, the daughter of Edwin Lafayette and Virginia Ann (Parker) Keen. As a teen, she moved to Lawrence, KS, with her family.
Marilyn was a loving and devoted mother to her daughter Safeya. They shared a passion for the rescue of homeless dogs and cats, sometimes driving hundreds of miles to do so. Marilyn was a fervent and loyal supporter of friends and family—a true force of nature. She also mastered her baking skills and loved sharing her baked goods, especially her famous lemon bars and fudge, with loved ones.
Marilyn attended Brown Mackie College in Overland Park, KS, learning court reporting transcription and word processing. Her work career included being a customer service representative at the Lawrence Sallie Mae location for many years. She later worked in the call center at General Dynamics in Lawrence.
Survivors include her three brothers, Harold E. Keen, Vernon Hills, IL; James L. Keen, Cave Creek, AZ; Donald K. Keen, Lawrence; and one daughter, Safeya LeeAnn Keen, Lawrence. Marilyn was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia Ann Keen, on May 7, 2014.
Memorial contributions may be made in Marilyn’s name to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Karen says
Annette was a beautiful person inside and out and brought joy to those around her.My thoughts and prayers for the Keen family.
John Pohlman says
I’m terribly grieved to hear this sad news. She was a wonderful person. I had no idea she was sick.
My heart goes out to her family and to all of the people that knew her and loved her.
Lanell Finneran says
Safeya – I am so sorry to read of your mom’s death. Please reach out to me.
Love you all, Lanell & Ranger
Gary Lee Wheeler says
So sorry to hear of Annette’s passing, my thoughts and prayers go out to all.
Donna Kayhill says
I am going to miss you. I was blessed to have met you at GDIT, you were so nice to me and Krystal. You tried so hard to get us to eat ‘brussel Sprouts’ in the lunchroom. You always had a ‘shine’ in the smile you gave to us. You and I shared that love for neglected and homeless furries. God Bless you for the hearts you touched. I know your in a good place on that other side…..
Thank You for being a friend to me.
Naim Briggs says
I’m going to miss you! You are another mother to me, I’ve known you since Safeya and I began our friendship when her and I was in eighth grade. So many fond memories that Safeya and I have shared with you will never be forgotten so that these memories will be a blessing! I said mourners Kaddish for you at temple on Friday evening for Safeya and I . I Love you so much and miss you to bits!
-Naim Briggs
MARSHA LYLES says
My heart breaks. I am so sorry to hear this. Such a POWERHOUSE woman.
My condolences to the Keen family, especially to her greatest love Safeya
Meredith says
I am so lucky to have met Annette and Safeya around Lawrence. Annette was a wonderful and supportive member of the community. Let her brightness shine on in the many people she touched.
Linette Williams says
I am sadden to hear this news. Marilyn was a great person and cared greatly for her family.
She was a pleasure to know and work with years ago. Every time we met, that same smile.
May God place his arms around you all as you lay this sweet woman to rest.
Kathy Sposato says
I am so so sad to hear this. Annette was a wonderful person. She was always smiling and she sure loved her Family, especially her Daughter. You will be missed my Friend
Bob Keen says
Annette was my aunt and taught me what true caring and integrity is. It’s not just saying “I love you” in the good times, it’s showing up in the hard times. She was fierce and protective of friends and family regardless of circumstance. She lived to be a champion for others, be they family, friends, or the fortunate pets that found their way into her life. May her memory remind all of us that to truly love is to serve and sacrifice oneself for another’s benefit. I miss her with all my heart.
Jim Keen says
I’ll miss my Aunt’s laugh. If Annette was around, there was no way to stay down and sad. Always hopeful, always generous, and always ready with a kind word, I know that she had a huge impact on any people—or animals—with whom she came in contact, both in Lawrence and beyond. We may have suffered a big loss, but heaven just got an upgrade.
Sherry Tamerius says
Safeya, I remember your mom fondly when you were in my class at Riverside! I am truly sorry for your loss!
Sherry Tamerius