Cynthia Lynne Keenan

Cynthia Lynne Keenan (known as Lynne), age 80, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on December 22, 2022, in Sarasota, Florida. Born May 8, 1942, she was raised in Beech Grove, Indiana where she graduated from Southport High School in 1960. She was a member of the choir, the sextet, and an actor in the senior play, “You Can’t Take it with You.” Most weekends were spent at her family’s various cabins and retail stores in Lake Lemon and Nashville (Brown County), Indiana. She loved to fish and water ski, especially barefoot. Her passions included singing (she attended Butler University on a vocal scholarship), caring for animals, painting, gardening, reading, but most of all, she treasured and loved her family which was felt by each one of them. Lynne’s four children were born during her first marriage, and she stayed busy with their activities in sports, band, gymnastics, and cheerleading while residing in Beech Grove and Greenwood, Indiana. Her children meant the world to her, and their happiness made her happy. Her caring nature was genuine, and her love was unconditional. After the children were adults themselves, they looked forward to receiving her nightly texts that often said, “Good night and I love you.” Each response put a smile on her face knowing all was good. While she adored her childhood and adult memories in Indiana, Florida and family were calling. In 1986, she and her two daughters moved to Venice, Florida. Lynne joined her parents and brother at The Banyan Tree, their family-owned flower shop, located across from Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Her decades long experience in designing with both fresh and silk flowers was put to good use. In 1993, she met Jud Keenan whom she described as "the love of her life" and they married in 2005. One of her fondest memories was their honeymoon in Ireland, which she described as breathtaking and beautiful. Their love for one another was obvious and undeniable. In the summer of 2022, her family and friends gathered in Indianapolis to celebrate her 80th birthday. She was overjoyed and her heart was content that her family was together again. For approximately 10 years, she lived with the symptoms of White Matter Disease, a rare neurological disorder, which contributed to her leaving us earlier than expected. Lynne was preceded in death by her brother Gary McElroy (2003), her father Louis “Bud” McElroy (2003), and her mother, Jean McElroy (2010). She is survived by her husband Jud Keenan, sister Vicki McElroy, cousin (“2nd sister”) Sonnie Nolting Owens, her children Kimble (Sheila) Richardson, Jeff Richardson, Jennifer (Chris) Zimmerman, Julie (Frank) Piccirillo, grandchildren Taylor Zimmerman, Ashley (JT) Barton, Zoe Richardson, Connor Richardson, Anthony Richardson, Grayson Piccirillo, Kane Piccirillo, stepchildren Jude Keenan, Beth Keenan, step-grandchildren Josh, Michael, Brandon, Jessie, and step- great-grandson Remington. Her Celebration of Life is scheduled on Saturday, May 20, 2023, in Florida. For more information, please contact Jennifer Zimmerman at jz34212@msn.com

Tributes

Cynthia Lynne Keenan

May 8, 1942 - December 22, 2022