Sister Carole Marie Keaney entered eternal life peacefully on December 7, 2025. She spent 30 years in Indonesia teaching French, English, and religion in Bandung and Flores
Sister Carole Marie Keaney, OSU, a beloved member of the Ursuline Community, entered eternal life peacefully on December 7, 2025, at Andrus on Hudson.
She was one of six children, born in 1932 to John and Mary Donnolly Keaney of Arlington, Massachusetts. After earning a bachelor’s degree in French from the College of New Rochelle and spending time in Holland to prepare for her ministry and learn the language, Sister Carole Marie spent the next 30 years in Indonesia. Sister Carole Marie taught high school religion, English, and French in Bandung and Flores, and taught junior sisters English and other subjects. She also worked in rural community development and parish service in Cisantana and was on the staff of a Village Community Development Institute in Bandung, training local leaders from all over Indonesia.
After returning to the United States, Sister Carole Marie pursued her motivating interest in the environment and earned a master’s degree in environmental studies from Antioch University in New Hampshire, which led to her role as coordinator of Harmony Farm, part of the Highbridge Community Life Center. In 2007, she attended the U.N. Conference on Environmental Change as a designated observer. In later years, she worked at an organic community farm and retreat center in Goshen and participated in “Nuns Build,” helping to restore New Orleans homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina.
Sister Carole Marie is predeceased by her brothers Francis, Hugh, Philip, Rev. James, and Rev. John, and her sisters Ellen and Mary. She will be remembered by her nieces, who were attentive to her through the years. Her Ursuline Sisters will recall with a smile her joyful spirit, welcoming heart, love for Indonesia, and her care for the environment.
Services will be at the Ursuline Province Center, 1338 North Avenue, New Rochelle, New York. Viewing on Wednesday, December 16, 2025, 9:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Burial following at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
The funeral liturgy will be livestreamed here. Donations in memory of Sister Carole Marie may be made to the Ursuline Provincialate Development Office, 1338 North Avenue, New Rochelle, New York 10804.