Marie Janice McKeon

Marie Janice McKeon, 96, lifelong resident of Bennington, VT passed away peacefully at her home on February 21, 2026.

Marie was born to the late John and Hazel (Tripp) Gorman on December 24, 1929 in Bennington. She was one of eight children. She received her education at Bennington High School (Ben Hi), where she would meet her future husband, Robert (Bob) McKeon.

Marie and Bob were married on August 7, 1954 at Saint Francis de Sales Church in Bennington. Together they would raise four children and spend sixty years together before his passing in December of 2014.

Marie was a devoted Catholic, wife, mother, and homemaker. She loved gardening, enjoyed sewing for her family and others, and was an avid NY Yankees fan. In her earlier years Marie worked at the F. W. Woolworth Company store and for many years after her children were in school she worked at Atkins and Gould Jewelers. Family vacations to the shores of Maine and New Jersey will remain fond memories. After Bob’s retirement, he and Marie wintered in Florida for several years, and also enjoyed a cruise to Bermuda.

Marie had a nurturing and loving disposition, and her presence will be sorely missed by her family, friends, and others that knew her.

Marie is survived by her children: Deborah Pappas (Jon) of Vail, CO, Jo-Ann Roberts (William) of Essex Junction, VT, Linda Goodrum (Donald) of Colchester, VT, and Robert John McKeon of Bennington, VT. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as her chosen granddaughter Crystal Castle, and her son Nickolas Castle.

Marie is predeceased by her parents, John and Hazel Gorman; her husband of sixty years, Robert McKeon; her siblings and their spouses: Marjorie Croll (William), Katherine Allen (Alfred), Jane Simon (Sim), John “Jack” Gorman (Maureen), Marilyn Beckwith (Clarence), Patricia Ann Gorman, Betty Gladys Gorman (infant); and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on April 10, 2026 at 11:00AM at the Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church in Bennington. Following the mass, a graveside service with committals will take place at the family plot at Park Lawn Cemetery in Bennington.

Friends and relatives are invited for a time of visitation on April 9, 2026 from 2:00-4:00PM at EP Mahar & Son Funeral Home located at 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.

The family of Marie McKeon would like to thank the VNA & Hospice of Southwest Region of VT; Jolene Valdez, NP, Marie’s primary care physician who always provided excellent and attentive care; and Jill Fortier, Marie’s in-home caregiver and good friend.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Marie McKeon may be made to the VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region through the office of EP Mahar & Son Funeral Home: 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.