Dr. Marjory A. "Marge" Keenan

Dr. Marjory Ann “Marge” Keenan, 95, of Pleasant View Retirement Community, Manheim, PA died   on September 24, 2023.  She was born in Troy, NY on February 21, 1928.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Marjorie R. and William T. Keenan, her brother John J. Keenan and companion, Robert F. Olsen. She is survived by her sister, Sarah K. “Sally” Burke of Manheim, PA, eight nieces and nephews and their children.

            Marge’s niece Kathy had a special bond with her aunt. Helping her with daily tasks, making meals and running errands were just some of the many things that Kathy helped Marge do day to day. The family cannot thank her enough for all the help she provided and time spent with her throughout her life which made their bond extra special.

            She was a member of the US Cadet Corps and then received her BS in nursing from Adelphi -College.  She also received a Master’s in Medical-Surgical Nursing at New York University and a Doctorate in Education at The State University of New York.  She became a certified nurse practitioner through an innovative joint program at Russell Sage College and Albany Medical College.  She began working as a medical-surgical staff nurse at the Yale Medical Center and there became Head Nurse in Pediatrics.  She then became the Nursing Supervisor of Pediatrics at Albany Medical Center.  A year later, she began teaching at Russell Sage College, Troy, NY, a post from which she retired as full professor in 1990.  In the early 1970’s, Dr. Keenan became one of the first nurse practitioners in the Albany area. She also worked with the New York State Education Dept. to develop examinations that would give registered nurses a chance to earn credit for what they knew.  This program, The College Proficiency Examination Program eventually joined with Regents External Degree program to become Regents College. Dr. Keenan also continued her work with Regents College to help develop the Teaching Performance Examination and the Professional Performance Examination.  She was in the Pan American World Health Organization in Guyana, SA and Bogota, SA amongst various other nurses’ organizations.

            Over her career, she received many awards including Leadership Award, NYSNA, Outstanding Educator and Teacher of the year at Russell Sage College.  She also taught two TV series with a focus on continuing education- “Return to Nursing” and “Management of Patient Care”.

            After retirement, Marge resided in New Smyrna Beach, FL to enjoy her love of the beach and fun times with numerous decades-long friends.  She was active on Bouchelle Island and served on both CSA and Bouchelle V condo boards and for a time acted as President of both boards.  Marge was also a member of AAUW and continued to enjoy her world-wide travels. 

            In recent years, she has resided in Manheim, PA so she could spend time with loving family members who will all miss her dearly especially that special wink of hers.  The family wishes to thank the staff of Pleasant View for the dedicated care Marge was given during her brief illness.