Kathleen Gormley Keany, 72, of Chevy Chase, MD, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024, surrounded by her loving husband and children.

Born on December 30, 1951, in Washington, DC, Kathleen (“Kathy”) was the seventh of nine children of Joseph and Frances Gormley. She grew up in a lively and loving home, where she developed the warmth, generosity, and deep sense of family that would define her life. 

After graduating from Ursuline Academy in 1969, she pursued a degree in sociology at Wheeling Jesuit University. It was there that she met the love of her life, Hugh Keany. The two married in Washington, DC in 1974 and built their life together in Chevy Chase, MD. Over the course of their 50-year marriage, they raised three children and later welcomed four grandchildren.

During her junior year of college, Kathy studied abroad in Europe, an experience that gave her life-long friendships and a deep appreciation for art, nature, and architecture. That passion led to a career in the tile industry, where she applied her keen sense of color and design.

Kathy was an excellent cook and an especially talented baker, known for her perfectly made desserts. A lifelong reader, she treasured her decades-long membership in her neighborhood book club. She also loved the outdoors, walking and hiking regularly on the Rock Creek Park trails she knew so well.

Above all, Kathy was devoted to her family and friends. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—always offering love, support, and kindness. She made life richer for everyone who knew her.

Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Frances Gormley, and her sister, Judith McDonald. She is survived by her beloved husband, Hugh Joseph Keany; their children, Emmett Keany (Mary), Jillian Janetos (Stephen), and Gaelan Thompson (Daniel); and her four adored grandchildren, Mary Frances, Sullivan, Caroline, and Henry.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/kathleen-keany/obituary/

Copy