The Keegan Family and Friends

The Thomas K. and Marie (Cousineau) Keegan Memorial Scholarship was created by the children, family and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Keegan to honor their dedication to the Monroe community and their desire for its citizens to be able to attend an excellent and affordable institution of higher education.

Although both Mr. and Mrs. Keegan desired a college education, neither of them could afford to attend college for more than one year. Married in 1947, they had four children. They were committed to providing a catholic education for their children and they worked diligently to assist each of them in their pursuit of a college education. A World War II veteran, Mr. Keegan worked at the River Raisin Paper Company, Kelsey-Hayes, The Monroe Evenings News and was a salesman for World Book and Childcraft Encyclopedias. He was the first employee hired at Ford Motor Company in Monroe where he worked for over 30 years in metallurgy and quality control.

Mrs. Keegan worked as a secretary at Detroit Edison, worked in the office at Stadelman’s Furniture Store, was a stay-at-home mom until all four of her children were in school, was an Avon sales representative, and worked for the First District Court of Monroe County from which she retired.

Active members of the Monroe community, Mr. Keegan sang in the choir for St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and served as an usher. He served on the Monroe Ecumenical Council and was a member of the Christian Family Movement. A Boy Scout Leader, he was also a member of the Monroe Knights of Columbus and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Mrs. Keegan was a founding member of the Mercy Memorial Hospital Ladies’ Guild and volunteered at the Mercy Memorial Hospital Gift Shop, the Monroe Thrift Shop and Meals on Wheels. A Campfire leader and member of the St. John’s School PTA, she also served on the development committee for the Monroe Family YMCA. She was a member of the Monroe County Commission on Aging, the Christian Family Movement and the Monroe Ecumenical Council. Mrs. Keegan was a member of the committee to gather signatures to establish Monroe County Community College.

“Our parents taught by their tireless example the joys of learning and the value of continuing one’s education,” said their daughter Martina Heilman. “Their service to others was a wonderful example of giving back to the community for the many benefits and blessings received. (Through this scholarship) Their legacy lives on.”