Patricia Keer (21 May 1934 - 11 Apr 2021)

In loving memory of Patricia Keer, who sadly passed away on the 11 April 2021, age 86.

Pat passed away peacefully after a long illness in the care of St Christopher’s Hospice with family by her side. A wonderful Wife, Mum, Grandma, Sister, Auntie and friend, she was truly loved and is hugely missed.

As she’d tell us so often, Pat was grateful for having a wonderful long life, full of fun, laughter and adventure. It’s that, that she’s asked us to remember her for and to know that she was able to leave us having done all that she would have wanted.

Born in Beckenham, England to Welsh parents, Jim and Gwen, Pat had two younger brothers, Bill and Bruce. They moved to Cambridge during the war, eventually returning to Beckenham. Pat did well at school, was a keen netball player and played for Kent. She had an active life in the Church when she was young, along with her family and friends. She trained to be a secretary, and worked for an insurance company in London where she met some great lifelong friends.

Pat met Doug Keer, who keenly pursued her for years before they became a couple. One of the great things they would tell you about their relationship was their friendship and fun. They married in 1958 and went on to have two children, Andrew in 1963 and Alison in 1966. They settled in Beckenham.

Pat and Doug had a full and busy social life, having wonderful friends, with many parties and social events. Holidays were a big part of their life, sometimes taking several each year, usually with their great friends Margaret and Ray, and her brother Bill and his wife, Sylvia. They bought a caravan in Winchelsea, spending as much time as they could there, again with a great social life. They generously shared the caravan with family and friends and it held a very special place for us all until it was finally sold in 2020.

Pat went on to work in an auction room in Beckenham, Stabledoors, a job which she loved, staying until she retired. She had real creative talent and learnt to decorate cakes as a hobby, making hundreds of beautiful cakes for family and friends. She was a keen bowler, indoors and out, winning a number of trophies. She was a lover of board games and cards, playing a mean game of scrabble.

Sadly Doug passed away age of 67 in 2002. This was a huge loss for Pat but she coped incredibly well. A strong independent woman, she went on to have many adventures, travelling whenever she could, going to some incredible places. She took an active role in lives of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family.

Pat had a circle of very close friends, in particular those she met through the “young wives club”, who continue to meet over 50 years later. She saw her dear friend Margaret almost daily and greatly missed her when she passed away in 2021.

In the last 2 years of her life, Pat’s illness meant she was was less mobile than she would have liked but she coped amazingly well, keeping as active and involved in life as she could. Her son, Andrew passed away unexpectedly in 2020, and the family were incredibly proud of how she coped. She continued to make us laugh right to her final days as she always has, usually unintentionally! Her carers loved her and she was a known favourite of theirs.

Her life was so much more than these few lines can express, and those that knew her will have their own special memories. It’s those happy memories we’d like you to draw on as we say our final goodbyes at her funeral on the 24 May, 2021 at 12.30 at Beckenham Crematorium. The event will be live streamed as COVID restrictions remain in place, and attendees are limited. Do let Alison know if you would like the livestream details. If you are looking to come along in person , please let Alison know so we can check numbers. Apologies in advance if we can’t accommodate everyone that wants to come. Please don’t feel the need to wear black unless that’s your personal choice. There won’t be a wake due to the restrictions, but we’d ask you to raise a glass or cuppa in your own time to honour her memory. Flowers will be restricted to close family only, but as an alternative, if you’d like to make a donation to St Christopher’s Hospice, the details are attached.

Many thanks.

Alison