On This Day - Matt Killeen

During the month of March, I am shining the light on my Irish roots.

 

Matthew Killeen 1918

I do not remember ever meeting my father's uncle Matthew Killeen, known to family as both "Mac" and "Matt," but surely I must have.

On March 7, 1969, Matthew George Killeen died. He was the second child of John Joseph Killeen and Mary Theresa Sheehan, and the only son to survive past infancy.

His death certificate states that he died of natural causes and that “chronic alcoholism” was a contributing factor. No surprise there.

According to family lore, as a pipefitter, Matt had an important job in the shipyard, so important that despite his bad habits, no one would fire him. It was Mary Theresa’s duty to sober him up in the mornings and get him to work.

Matt married Alma Ketchum and they had one daughter, Alma Theresa Killeen, who was born probably 1918 but vital records differ on that count.

Matt’s wife Alma died in 1947; her death certificate claims she was a widow but Matt outlived her by 22 years.

Matt is buried in the All Saints Cemetery
formerly known as St. Paul's Catholic Church Cemetery

Wendy

© 2021, Wendy Mathias. All rights reserved.