Obituary of Dorothy Anne MacKeen

MacKeen, Dorothy “Anne” - 97 of Annapolis Royal, passed away June 16, 2025, in Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Born in Bear River, she was a daughter of the late Wilson and Dorothy (Fortier) Jefferson.

Anne did not like to be called Dorothy, rather Anne with an E as she would always say. She was a very well respected lady in the community.  Anne graduated from the Ontario College of Art and was highly active in visual arts community in the greater Saint John area. She proudly held an exhibit in Saint Andrews, NB. and people began to line up before the doors were open and she sold out of all her paintings within a few short minutes.  Selling a piece to the owner of a well-known McCain company who later used her painting on some of their products. Her paintings could often be found (but not much longer) at the Beaver Brooke Art Gallery, Fredericton, NB.  Many of the talents Anne held were passed down through her family. Anne often spoke of how proud she was to be the niece of the famous Loftus Fortier, curator of Fort Anne National Park and its historic museum. 

After moving from Saint Andrew, NB, she settled back to Annapolis Royal. She enjoyed spending time with her very close friend Keri, whether it was going to movies, walks in the gardens or drives to the shoreline or going out for lunch or just home chatting for hours about history. Anne was very kind, generous, well loved and respected by all her nieces and nephews.

She is survived by sons, Anthony and Geoffrey; daughter, Stephanie; sister, Catherine Lewis and brother, David Jefferson; several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband John Stewart MacKeen; sister, Elizabeth Hemel; brothers, John and Charles.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of the Kaulbach Family Funeral Home, Annapolis Royal. Following Anne’s wishes there will be no visitation or funeral service.  On line condolences may be sent at www.kaulbachfamilyfuneralhome.com