Obituaries

Laurel Faye (Teeple) Keenan, age 77, of Brimley, Michigan, passed away at MyMichigan Medical Center in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, on April 1, 2024.

Laurel was born on March 13, 1947, at home in Bay Mills, Michigan, to Edgar Allen Sr. and Barbara Theresa Teeple, and was delivered by her great grandmother and midwife, Ellen Marshall. She graduated from Brimley High School with the Class of 1965. From there, she earned her nursing degree from Saginaw Valley State University and went on to work at War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie. After years of service there, she decided to bring her passions home to her community where she became a force within the Bay Mills tribal healthcare; she worked her way up to become the very first Health Director for the Bay Mills Indian Community. She was instrumental in bringing to fruition the dream of an all-encompassing healthcare clinic that made services accessible to everyone. It would later become widely known as the Ellen Marshall Center.

In her personal life, Laurel loved a good laugh and enjoyed time with her family. In her day, she enjoyed cross country skiing and was an avid gardener. She loved to host dinner parties while her beloved husband, whom she fondly called, “GJK,” would cook up a storm for everyone. She loved old time rock ‘n roll and enjoyed nothing better than a get together with her sisters to “let down their hair.” Her son, Allen, was the light of her life and he took care of her with grace and love until her last breath.

Laurel is survived by her sons, Allen Keenan, Keith (Della) Keenan, Kevin Keenan, and Kyle (Tracie) Keenan; grandchildren, Katerina, Logan, Parker, Jonah, and Ben; brother, Mervin Teeple; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Laurel was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald “Jerry” Joseph Keenan; parents, Edgar Sr., and Barbara; sisters, Barbara Joyce Seigal, Carolyn Teeple, Marla Teeple, and Marilyn Teeple; and brother, Edgar Teeple Jr.

Per Laurel’s request, there will be no public services.

Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.