Majorie M. Keen
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Marjorie McLaren Keen, 92, of Elizabethtown, PA, formerly of Parkesburg, Pa, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown. Born in Rochester, PA, she was the daughter of the late Robert Shannon and Edna Shorten McLaren. She was the former wife of the late E. Arthur Keen Jr.
Marjorie spent her early life in suburban Pittsburgh. She studied Journalism at Penn State University and graduated in 1974 from Immaculata University with a B.A. Sociology.
As a freelance journalist, Marjorie wrote for Philadelphia, West Chester and Lancaster newspapers as well as more than a dozen magazines. Under the title Treasured Legacies she published memoirs for 17 prominent citizens. She contributed to the Library of Congress Veterans History Project and taught senior citizens at Widener University's OLLI Institute.
Her community and professional activities included Parkesburg Free Library, Girl Scout Brownies, the former Coatesville Hospital, Chester County Cooperative Extension, Pennsylvania Master Gardener Steering Committee, Delaware County Press Club and Association of Personal Historians.
She was an ordained Elder at Parkesburg First United Presbyterian Church and was involved in denomination responsibilities. In retirement she lived at Masonic Village Elizabethtown for 11 years, playing an active role in the community as well as in Donegal Presbyterian Church and The Donegal Society.
Marjorie is survived by a son, Robert M. Keen of Camp Hill, PA, a daughter, Jill Bickert and husband, Kevin of Peachtree City, GA, two grandchildren, James Keen and Megan Aldridge, and husband, Kevin, and four great grandchildren, Sterling, Cody, Jayden, and Ethan Aldridge. Also surviving are a brother, Robert J. McLaren, a sister, Susan Lammert and husband, Richard, as well as beloved nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, Stepmother, Sally Tyskiewicz McLaren, sister, Nancy Curry, and niece Jennifer Curry Tawes.
A memorial service will be held in the future and when the details are completed the information will be posted here. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to the Parkesburg Free Library, 105 West St., Parkesburg, PA, 19365.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com
Condolences
My Condolences
I was saddened to learn of Marj's passing. I met Marj at a walking club we belonged to. She was a joy to know and an inspiration to the group. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Jill and Kevin
Jill and Kevin
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Your mother is at peace.
Lynn and Jim
Condolences
Megan
I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope that you heart is filled with memories to help you smile as you travel the road and figure out how to move forward without someone special.
Rest in Peace My Friend!
Marj was a neighbor of mine for many, many years. I remember baby sitting Bobby & Jill (they weren’t babies) circa 1959/60 for 50 cents an hour and all the Hawaiian Punch I could drink. Marj was an ambitious soul and definitely more accomplished than I ever knew! She never stopped! She was always on the move! Truly missed her as a neighbor & a friend!
Condolences
I met Marj when I served as a deacon at Donegal Presbyterian church. As I got to know her I was amazed at her background…her strength as a woman & her talents as a journalist. It was a delight to have known her…. My sincere sympathies to her family.