Keating, Mary E.

Mary E. Keating, 98, formerly of 229 N. Gilbert, Iowa City, died peacefully Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, at the Solon Nursing Care Center. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, with the Very Rev. Rudy Juarez officiating. Burial with military honors will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, where the Catholic Daughters will recite a rosary at 4:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Arrangements are with Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service.

Mary was born Feb. 7, 1911, in rural Johnson County, the daughter of John and Ellen Rogers Keating. She was a 1931 graduate of St. Patrick's High School. Following high school, Mary entered the Mercy School of Nursing to begin her life as a caring registered nurse. Her many achievements included an unforgettable chapter in her life as a nurse in the Army Nursing Corps during WWII and continued in the Army Reserve until her retirement as Major. Mary was extremely proud to serve her country and help care for other servicemen and women. She was one of two nurses who oversaw the set up of the wards at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Iowa City, which opened in 1952, and where she worked until her retirement in 1973.

Mary was devoted to her faith and her family. She loved people. Mary was a member of St. Patrick's Church and the Catholic Daughters of America.

Mary is survived by her brother-in-law, Edmund Volk of Oxford; niece and three nephews, Robert Organ (Dr. Patricia Coon) of Billings, Mont., Marlene Organ Blakley of North Liberty, Kathleen (William) Wagenknecht of Iowa City, and Ellen (Raymond) Haman of Oxford; numerous great-nieces and nephews; beloved cousins; and many dear friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings, Joe Keating, Agnes Volk, Helen Organ, Esther Cox and Irene Keating.

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