Thelma Keane

Thelma Keane was the wife of Family Circus cartoonist Bil Keane. She died on May 26, 2008 from Alzheimer's Disease.

Fast Facts

1. Hometown: Brisbane, Australia
2. Age at time of death: 82
3. Inspired the character of "mommy"
4. Married in 1948 to Bil Keane
5. Moved to the United States the same year
6. Moved to Phoenix, Arizona suburb in 1958

Background

Born in Australia, she met Bil Keane when he was stationed down under during World War II. He returned after the war and they were married, moving back to his home town of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She became his co-editor in the comic strip, Family Circle, as well as the inspiration for the character of "mommy".

Categories