CHATHAM -- Jacqueline (LaChance) McKeon died November 21, 2018 at home in the company of her beloved children after a brief illness. She was 56.

Born May 31, 1962 in Albany, she was the daughter of the late Owen John "Jack" and Nancy LaChance of Middleburgh, NY.

She is survived by her children, Maura and Jack. Raising her children was her greatest accomplishment and the bond the three of them shared was unique. They go out into the world as independent, compassionate and courageous adults each with a strong sense of self.

Also survived by cousins Susan Curtis, Michael Morris, Shannon Spinney; James Curtis, Lyell Curtis, Jessie Curtis; Barbara (Brad) Bockrath, Diane Bockrath;  Chris (Jeanne) Adams, Savannah (Niklaus) Andersson; Roderick (Donna) Roca, Peggy Roca; and a treasured aunt, Jean Curtis of Potsdam, NY. She was blessed with a huge contingent of friends from all walks of life, from childhood through adulthood.

She graduated from Middleburgh Central School in 1980. She graduated from Utica College of Syracuse University with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism in 1984. She worked as news editor of the Camillus Advocate right after college before moving to Columbia County. She was a reporter for the Register Star from 1985 to 1988, followed by a year at The Independent newspaper. After freelancing for local publications and non-profits, she went on to work as public relations coordinator for the former Taconic Telephone Corp. in Chatham, from 1990 to 1999. She returned to freelance work after raising her children.

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For the past six years, she was a contributing writer for The Chatham Press, a community journalism project close to her heart.  At the time of her death she also served as community relations assistant at Camphill Ghent in Chatham where she had worked for more than three years.

She was a communicant of St. James Church in Chatham, joining in 2004 through the RCIA program. She was a longtime former member of the Northern Columbia County Rotary Club and the Upper Hudson Zonta Club. She was a member of the Bluestockings Book Club for more than 20 years. She was a member of the Kinderhook Rughooking Group for several years.

Calling hours will be held Sunday -December 2,  12 – 2:00pm with a memorial service at 2 from the  St. James Church Chatham

If desired, donations in her memory may be made to The Chatham Press. For on-line condolences visit wenkfuneralhome.com