Obituary of Gladys R. (LeBlanc) Keating

Gladys R (LeBlanc) Keating, 92, of Peabody, formerly of Lynn and Swampscott, died peacefully Friday evening at her home. She was the devoted wife of the late Robert E Keating with whom she shared over 54 years of marriage. Born in Lynn, she was the daughter of the late Clarence T and Victorine (Soucy) LeBlanc. She was raised and educated in Lynn and was a graduate of Lynn English High School, class of 1944. Gladys worked at Lynn Gas and Electric for many years before starting her family. While living in Swampscott, she raised her two daughters and worked as a teacher’s aide at the Machon School before retiring many years ago. Upon her retirement, she moved with her husband to Wakefield, NH where they lived for over 10 years before moving to Peabody in 2001 to live with her daughter and son-in-law. Gladys was a dedicated volunteer at the Torigian Life Center, performing clothing alterations and she also used her sewing skills to volunteer for Hug-A-Bear program at the center until the time of her passing. She enjoyed knitting and kept the family warm knitting slippers, sweaters, blankets, and her quilts have traveled the world with family and missionaries alike. She also enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, and playing cards and games with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She treasured her time with family and friends and was an avid Red Sox fan as well. She is survived by her two daughters and son-in-law, Nancy and her husband Anthony Porciello of Peabody and Roberta Zerveskes of West Newfield, ME, her beloved grandchildren, Marcy and her husband Jacob Ashley, Anthony R and his wife Christina Porciello, Vincent and William Zerveskes, and Mark and Michael Porciello, also survived by her 5 great grandchildren, Thomas, Mia, Christian, Lucas, and Ella and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her siblings, Mildred Mangini, Clarence, Thomas, George, and Philip LeBlanc and Phyllis Macdonald. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday from 10:00 AM until 11:45 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St, Peabody followed by her Funeral Mass at 12:30 PM at St. Adelaide’s Church, Lowell St, Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Burial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Torigian Community Life Center, 79 Central St, Peabody, MA 01960. For directions and on-line obituary, visit www.ccbfuneral.com