Christine Winifred Keene

Christine W Keene was born October 15, 1930 in Westcliff on Sea, England and died October 9, 2023 six days short of her 93rd birthday. She was a lovely person until her last breath. Christine was preceded in death by her husband Denis, sister Paula, and parents John and Winifred Lilley. She is survived by her four daughters and their husbands: Amanda and Bart Lang, Pippa Keene and Kirk Marshall, Rebecca and Allan Forde, Sara and Greg Ireton. She leaves six grandchildren: Jennifer (Chris), Blake (Kelly), Meredith (Anthony), Christopher, Finn and Emma; nine great-grands; Tristan, Aleece, Mason, Maddox, Cameron, Aubrey, James, Graham and Olivia, and her wonderful nephews and nieces. During WWII, Christine was evacuated at age eight to a boarding school on the English coast. She trained as an Occupational Therapist at Dorset House in Oxford, and worked in London hospitals assisting the war-injured. In 1956 she emigrated to Canada and continued her career in Vancouver as an OT. In 1957 she met a very handsome Englishman and they married in 1958. Two daughters were born in Vancouver, then the four returned to England where two more daughters joined the family. In 1970 the Keenes emigrated to Washington State, and settled in Visalia in 1973. Christine was active until the end. Her resume over the years included Girl Scout leader, Dance Arts mom, exchange Student mom, and a two-year stint at Gottschalks that somehow turned into 20 years. She was incredibly talented with sewing, knitting, needlework, building miniature houses and furniture, and had a beautiful "English" garden. She and Denis were active in many social groups, traveled extensively, and had numerous friends who span many countries and fields of interests. Denis passed away in 2006 and Christine just got on with things, such as traveling across country by car in her late 70s, and buying a miter saw to cut and install trim to spiff up the interior of her home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held 3:00 pm Sunday 29th, 2023 at St Clair's Catholic Mission, 43590 Alta Acres Dr, Three Rivers, 93271, with a reception following at Amanda and Bart's. We have arranged transportation for her friends who would rather not drive up to Three Rivers. Please contact Amanda if you'd like the ride, 559-471-8600, or need the home address. The family will hold a private interment ceremony Monday, October 30. If you'd like to make a donation in her honor, please choose a charity that is important to you. Christine and Denis loved our local Sequoia Symphony Orchestra, 208 W Main St D, Visalia, CA 93291. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Christine Winifred Keene

October 15, 1930 - October 9, 2023