CHAPTER SIX:

Sea/@J t has been said that it takes a village to raise a child. The young Kathleen who had just lost her mother found love and support among her family and the neighbours who were captivated by her girlish charm and quiet manner. Even while her mother was confined to

her bed, the neighbours looked out for the curious and lively young Keefe girl.

At home, the family made sure she was well cared for and looked after. Often children would be sent to live with relatives in the event of a mother’s death, but the family made sure the 11 year old would be raised in her own home. Kathleen’s older brother Earl always used to sit beside her at the kitchen table at mealtime and help peel her potatoes. Earl would take her for drives, and would later teach her to drive. She especially looked forward to visits home from Johnny. It was a special time for Kathleen, because Johnny made it a point to take her for rides in his car. Johnny would tell her, “You see that little spot neXt to me, any time this car leaves the yard, you sit right in there. Don’t let this car leave here unless you’re in it.” Other family members who visited would invariably bring her a treat.

When her mother got ill, her father took up many of the household chores, cooking and cleaning for the family. John was a great cook, and is remembered especially for his pancakes. Kathleen loved to help out while her brothers did the farm work. Perhaps one thing that distinguished Kathleen from other farm girls in the area is that she never worked in the

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