Caroline Wilson Keating

Caroline Wilson Keating, 88, of Mayville, N.Y., died Monday, Dec. 1, 2008 in Erie, Pa.

She was born in Buffalo, N.Y. on Oct. 19, 1920, daughter of Thomas and Celestia Wilson.

A long time resident of Bradford, Pa., she graduated from The Shipley School of Bryn Mawr, Pa. and attended The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va.

Caroline married the late Edward Creagh Keating on Feb. 6, 1941. They shared six decades of marriage. She was a Chautauquan in the fullest sense: as a resident, property owner, member of the Chautauqua Women's Club, and the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. As matriarch, she inspired five generations of Wilson and Keating Chautauquans.

She is survived by three sons: Tom Keating and his wife, Lynne of Decatur, Ga., Michael Keating and his wife, Jane of Drexel Hill, Pa. and John Keating and his wife, Jill of Mayville, N.Y.; two daughters: Mary Keating of Erie, Pa., and Carol Keating, who cared for her mother and shared the ''Village Barn'' in Mayville; and three grandchildren: Jeffrey and Stephanie Keating of Decatur, Ga., and Joni Keating of Mayville.

Friends may call at the Lind Funeral Home, 805 W. 3rd Street, Jamestown, N.Y., on Friday Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Burial will follow the visitation at the Chautauqua Cemetery.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Volunteer Fire Department of Mayville or Chautauqua, N.Y., or the library of either community.

A memorial service is planned for Spring 2009.