Sheila Keenan — a longtime, well-known Westport realtor and civic volunteer — died September 17. She was 88.
The Massachusetts native graduated from Boston College. She launched her career as an elementary school teacher in Charlottesville, Virginia while her husband Tod Keenan pursued a law degree at the University of Virginia.
In 1964 the couple settled in Westport, and raised 3 children. Tod built his law practice, while Sheila built a career of her own. She was a founding partner of KMS Partners, which grew into the number one real estate team in Connecticut. Honors included the Coldwell Banker Vision Award, and many President’s Elite designations.
Sheila spent much of her life advocating for children with special needs and their families. She co-founded both Pegasus Therapeutic Riding and CLASP, and served on the board of the Bethel Recovery Center, where her efforts earned a citation from the state Attorney General.
She served as secretary of the United Way of Westport/Weston for 5 years. As a longtime member of Sunrise Rotary Club, she took on roles of membership chairman and social chairman with enthusiasm.
She was active in the Westport Young Women’s League and the Junior League of Fairfield County, and for 12 years answered calls as an emergency medical technician with Westport Emergency Medical Service.
Most recently, she was involved with PEO International, an organization that helps women re-enter the workplace.
Sheila Keenan
Her obituary says, “To her family, she was simply ‘Didi,’ known and adored for her kindness, her generosity, her enormous heart, boundless energy and a deep and abiding faith in God. She loved nothing more than gathering people, and she connected people, for work, for love, or just for friendship.”
A devoted member of St. Luke’s Church, she also belonged to the Gaelic American Club, Fayerweather Yacht Club, the Yale Club, and the Fairfield County Hunt Club.
A skilled card player, she co-founded a bridge group that recently celebrated their 61st year. She also enjoyed mah jongg, tennis and paddle tennis.
She loved travel, and proudly wore silly hats.
Sheila is survived by her children, Maura Keenan (partner Peter Teed); Kerry Keenan (Michael Jarvela), and Sean Keenan; grandchildren Olivia Firstenberg (Anthony Terlizzi), Maggie Teed, Franny Jarvela and Lucy Jarvela; great-grandchildren Owen Madigan and Rosie Sally Terlizzi, and a wide, devoted circle of friends.
Sheila had the joy of meeting Rosie, born September 14, just days before she passed. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas “Tod” Keenan, and her brother Francis Forziati.
A service and celebration of her life will be held at St Luke Church on December 18 (11 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Special Olympics Connecticut soct.org and Our Vision in CT.
Sheila was so much more than the founder of KMS Partners. She was our mentor, our inspiration, our trusted colleague, and, most of all, our dear friend.
She had a remarkable ability to bring people together, to make everyone feel valued, and to see the very best in those around her. She taught us that building a successful business was about so much more than numbers—it was about relationships, integrity, generosity, hard work, and genuinely caring about the people you serve.
For those of us at KMS, Sheila’s influence is woven into who we are today. She gave us the foundation, the confidence, and the example to carry her vision forward. Her energy was infectious, her sense of humor unforgettable, and her generosity of spirit seemingly limitless.
We will miss her phone calls, her stories, her laughter, her advice, and that unmistakable Sheila enthusiasm for life. But we are incredibly grateful for the years we had with her and for the legacy she leaves behind—not only in KMS, but in the countless lives she touched through her work, her friendships, and her service to the community.
We know better than to fall for her common refrain, “Well, that’s it!” For all of us who loved her, it is most certainly not it. Her lessons, her spirit, and the example she set will continue to live on.
With deepest love and gratitude,
The KMS Team at Compass
Sheila was a force to be reckoned with. She was an amazing woman, with strong convictions and a powerful need to help others. I will miss her wisdom, funny stories and her kind words. May she rest in peace.