Jean Hayes Keene of Newark, DE, age 83, passed away Sunday, November 5, 2017 surrounded by her family. Jean was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend and a beloved teacher. She was born in Wilmington, DE on September 20, 1934 to the late Joseph F. Hayes and Laura G. Hayes.

Jean was a 1952 graduate of Conrad High School and a 1956 graduate of the University of Delaware where she met her future husband, Bill and many lifelong friends. She, Bill and their friends attended UD football games, where you could find them tailgating on Saturday afternoons. They also played Tripoley and traveled. Jean spent most of her teaching career at Wilson Elementary as a kindergarten teacher. She was a member of the Newark New Century Club, Newark Country Club and several bridge clubs. Jean enjoyed spending time doing crossword puzzles and at the beach.

Jean is survived by two daughters: Linda Greene (Doug) of Newark, DE and Susan Haberstroh (Patrick) of Middletown, DE; son, Blair Keene, Jr. (Pam) of Newark, DE; six grandchildren: Sean and Dylan Greene, Jessica Snyder (Jesse), Kayla and Lauren Haberstroh, and Erin Jessop (Keith); and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. William B. Keene, identical twin sister, Joan Hodgson, and her sister-in-law, Jean Keene Pratt.

The family would like to thank the staff at Manor Care-Pike Creek and Heartland Hospice for providing care for Jean over the last three years.

A visitation will be held from 6-8 PM Monday, November 13, 2017 at R.T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home, 122 W. Main St., Newark, DE 19711. A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at R.T. Foard & Jones. Family and friends may begin visiting at 10 AM. Burial will follow at White Clay Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made payable to the “William B. Keene Scholarship, University of Delaware” or a charity of your choice and sent in care of the funeral home.