Kristyna (Gogol) Keenan

Kristyna “Krisia” Gogol Keenan, age 60, was suddenly taken from us on January 11, 2024.

Krisia was born on April 17, 1963 in Ashtabula, Ohio, he daughter of Stefan and Claudine Gogol. 

Krisia  grew up exploring the community with her sisters. She graduated from Edgewood High School in 1981 and went on to earn a degree in Early Childhood Development.

She shared a myriad of talents spread through careers like cosmetology, painting, and most notably, through her work with children and families in the community. Krisia worked for After School Discovery since 2006, most recently serving as a Director and Administrator of Discovery Cove at Huron Primary School. She truly understood how to foster curiosity and interest, and through her own enthusiasm she encouraged her students to explore art and find joy in learning.

Krisia was a devoted and selfless mother and family person whose radiant smile and boundless energy transformed every room she entered. Krisia’s profound love for her family was evident in every aspect of her life, bringing warmth, laughter, and joy to those around her. She cherished her Sunday spa days with her late mother and took pride in dressing her in impeccable fashion as she loved. She spent many hours caring for ‘Memere’ and raining love on her. She guided her daughters with the strength she acquired overcoming life challenges, always humbly offering support and striving to become the best version of herself while empowering her family and her students to do the same - even though she supported each person as they were - and we know she was remarkable just as she was. In fact, everyone she met was immediately welcomed as family, invited to make themselves at home in her home, or if you were lucky, swept up into a spontaneous jig at a wedding or event.  Her genuine support of others’ happiness was infectious and taught us all to live with selflessness and happiness in our hearts. 

Krisia’s passion for children was a testament to her nurturing spirit, making her a cherished presence in the lives of the little ones she held dear. We have been so heartened to hear from Krisia’s early students, some of whom are now entering adulthood, about the transformative impact she had by empowering them to live life authentically and imparting a beautiful way of looking at the world. Her creativity knew no bounds, leaving an indelible mark on the world through the beauty she added to it with her art and relentless positivity. As anyone who has had the privilege of meeting her knows, she was so easy to fall in love with, and it’s that love we will lead with as we dance like children, live with childlike wonder and unbridled creativity, and selflessly live with forgiveness and light in Krisia’s legacy. 

Kristyna will be dearly missed by, and continue to live through, her daughters, Shanen and Bridget ‘Biddy’ Keenan; their father, John Keenan; her sisters: Franciszka ‘Frani’ Gogol (Jack), Danuta ‘Danni’ Gogol (Jere), Sabina ‘B’ Gogol (Dave), Stefania ‘Steffie’ Loveridge (Jim), Claudine ‘Doodie’ Gogol and many nieces and nephews. She is loved and celebrated by many extended family, friends and the many students and colleagues whose lives she brightened in her 18 years at After School Discovery. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Claudine (Kirk) Gogol and Stefan Gogol; two uncles, and an aunt.

All those that love her in the community are invited to celebrate her life on Saturday, January 20, 2024, w visitation will be held from 12:00p - 3:00p with a Celebration of Life to immediately follow from 3:00p - 3:30p at the Ashtabula Home of Fleming and Billman Funeral Directors, 526 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula, OH 44004. A catered luncheon to shortly follow at Huron Primary School, 2300 Wade Avenue, Ashtabula, OH 44004 from 4:00p - 6:00p. 

She would want all of the students she worked with to enjoy a meal and games among friends.  

After School Discovery is thankful for donations in her honor to continue the important work that Krisia has made possible. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kristyna (Gogol) Keenan, please visit our floral store.