Charlene J. “Jan” Keough

Charlene J. “Jan” (deGaribody) Keough of Groton, formerly of Waltham, died on March 10, 2025, at Emerson Hospital in Concord. She was 86.

Born on January 10, 1939, in Ellsworth, Maine, Jan was the daughter of the late Russell and Marjorie (Doyle) deGaribody. She grew up in Sullivan, Maine, and after completing high school, she moved to Waltham, following her older sister. There, she embraced the community and established her life. On February 28, 1960, Jan married Waltham native and former Waltham Firefighter John T. “Fuzzy” Keough in Saint Mary’s Church. The couple cherished fifty-three years of marriage together before John’s passing in 2013.

Above all, Jan adored her friends and family. And her best friend was Fuzzy. She was also a fabulous cook. In their younger years, she and Fuzzy loved to host gatherings, cooking all day while enjoying the company of their friends who would stay through the day and into the night. That was heaven for her. And as her son got older, all his friends would gather at the house through the day and into the night. She became a sort of neighborhood mom. Those times, surrounded by the people she loved most, brought her the greatest joy. This was especially true when it came to her grandchildren, whom she treasured. Jan also made many happy memories on summer vacations up to the lakes region of New Hampshire and always enjoyed a nice day out shopping.

In her professional life, Jan served as a Waltham School Crossing Guard for many years, primarily ensuring the safety of children at Plympton School, and she dedicated over two decades working at the Federal Archives before her retirement.

She leaves her son, John T., Keough, Jr. and his wife, Cheryl, of Groton; her grandchildren, Ryan Keough and his wife, Phoebe, of Lowell, and Allison Keough of Newton; her great-granddaughter, Kiara Keough; her sister, Linda “Lynn” Green, of Belmont, along with many nieces, nephews, and their families.

In addition to Fuzzy, she is predeceased by her siblings, William, Cecil, and Charles Carpenter, Rebecca Parella, John deGaribody, and Carroll deGaribody.

Family and friends will honor and remember Jan’s life by gathering for a Morning Wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rt. 20), Waltham, on Monday, March 17th, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., before leaving in procession to Sacred Heart Church, 311 River Street, Waltham, where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorial donations may be made to the Waltham Firefighters Welfare and Relief Association, 175 Lexington Street, Waltham, 02452.