It is with sorrow and love in our hearts we announce the passing of our beloved mother, wife, sister, nana, aunt and above all - teacher - Janice Mary (Dohr) Keenoy. Jan left us on Wednesday, March 25th living life to its fullest surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband Michael (Mick) Keenoy, sister Joyce and Mike Bytnar, brother Jim and Christine Dohr, sons Scott and Lauren Burns, Danny and Sarah Burns, daughters Kim Ruch and Michelle and Adam Sexton and her grandchildren Nikki, Brandon, Paul, Sophia, Livia, Scottie and Lou along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jan was born to Albert and Mary Dohr on March 4th, 1949, with “march fourth” becoming her mantra in life. Raised in south St. Louis, she always cherished her upbringing in the city, attending St. Gabriel Elementary school and playing ball in the alleys until dark.

She was a proud graduate of Bishop DuBourg High School, creating bonds and friendships that last to this day. She went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Mt. Saint Scholastica in Atchison, KS (now Benedictine). With her teaching certificate in hand, she proceeded on a journey in education that would influence and inspire thousands of students, educators and administrators.

Following a brief stint selling merchandise at the St. Louis Zoo alongside a chimpanzee named Little Pierre, her career in education kicked off on the summer playgrounds of St. Louis. From there, education took her around the country - and around the world. Working across the better part of five decades, Jan touched the lives of countless children, families and communities. From the Archdiocese of St Louis to the Parkway and Clayton School Districts and beyond, Jan made sure students were at the center of everything she did.

Along the way she picked up her Masters at Webster University, as well as a few accolades. In 1994 Jan was awarded Teacher of the Year in the Parkway School District while teaching at Ross Elementary and ended up being the runner-up for Missouri Teacher of the Year as well. That same year she received the Emerson Award for Teaching Excellence. After retiring from Clayton School District with a citation of excellence she joined McGraw-Hill as a consultant, working with educators from Des Moines to Dubai.

Being a teacher wasn’t the only thing she was known for. Outside of the classroom, you were likely to see Jan leading a den of Cub Scouts around Webster Groves, planning the Spring Fling at Bristol Elementary School, sitting in the bleachers cheering on her children - and later her grandchildren - or marching down Gore Ave. with her neighbors during the 4th of July Parade. She loved a good “themed event” - dressing up for New Year’s Eve parties, a night out with her Gourmet Club or one of the many Miata, Mini and smart car events she and her husband Mick would spend countless hours and miles getting to and attending.

She was a certified busy body, keeping a social calendar full of lunches, dinners and walks. A lot of walks. Walks with her sister, Joyce, her friends or just with her dogs Henry and Phanny. She was a regular up and down Grant's Trail, sometimes sneaking a carrot or two to the Clydesdales along the way.

Like her Grandfather and Mother before her, she was a fervent fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. While Jack Buck narrated our summers she would take advantage of her beloved home town with countless visits to the Art Museum, the History Museum and the Zoo.

She was a determined traveler having proudly visited all 50 States and every National Park in the Continental United States. Riding shotgun from coast-to-coast, she would devour books and a few sweet treats along the way. From highway oddities to seeking out the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, Jan was always up for a roadtrip.

And even a legendary career and robust social life couldn’t stop her from pouring everything she had into her family. Nothing brought her more joy than bringing together her siblings, kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews for a holiday celebration, baking cookies or just an afternoon visit. She used her love of sewing to connect generations of family with ornaments, plush toys and teddy bears. Christmas Eve was her grandest annual affair, welcoming her extended family and friends for a night of silly photos, scavenger hunts and pageantry. And of course “The Game” - an annual flurry of holiday giving, taking and absconding with both priceless and worthless gifts, leaving players battered, bruised and full of Christmas joy.

This was Jan. Involved. Energenic. Full throated, with intention, love and care for all. She was always interesting, and interested. And most of all, Jan loved life, and loved all of us loving life, together.

In that spirit, we will gather to celebrate Jan Keenoy’s life on Saturday, May 16th at Bishop DuBourgh High School from 1PM-5PM. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.