Dr. Sarah B. Keating

Sarah B Keating, 91, of Pensacola FL passed away peacefully on October 9, 2026 from a heart condition. She is survived by her children Susan Keating Reed (Nick Reed) of Pensacola FL, Edwin Brian Keating (Eneroliza Severino Mencia) of Reno NV, and Timothy Daniel Keating (Nanette Keating) of Bakersfield CA, along with 7 beloved grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Sarah was the youngest of three children born to William Blake Barnes and Ruth Nelson Barnes on 31 December 1934 in Stafford CT. She graduated from the University of Maryland in 1956 with a Baccalaureate in Nursing. She obtained her Masters in Public Health from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (where she met and married Edwin Keating). She was conveyed a Doctor of Education degree from the State University of New York at Albany. Sarah retired as Dean of Nursing at San Francisco State University, then as Dean of Nursing at Samuel Merritt and St. Mary's College.

Dr. Keating served on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) to develop a vision statement for nursing education for the 21st century. As the Chair of the California Strategic Planning Committee, Sarah designed cutting edge nursing educational programs, such as the first generic masters of science in nursing. Dr. Keating co-authored and published a textbook entitled Curriculum Development and Evaluation in Nursing Education which just released its 7th edition. Dr. Keating's colleagues remember her as a visionary and a wonderful mentor, often commenting on the impact she had on their own careers in nursing education.

In her spare time, Sarah volunteered for the Guardian Ad Litem program, serving well into her 80's helping those impoverished communities for whom she had great compassion.

Sarah led a very active life pursuing skiing, tennis, camping, following her beloved San Francisco 49ers, and all 3 of her alma mater sports teams. She was creative and talented in knitting, needlepoint, cooking and baking. She loved sharing her efforts with others. A dog lover, her three dogs preceded her passing but led a spoiled existence for many years. She enjoyed worldly travels with family and friends.

Sarah was an indomitable soul who enjoyed caring for and guiding family, friends, and colleagues. She had a positive impact on so many of us and will be greatly missed.

Her celebration of life will be on 21 November 2026 in Rescue CA at Green Valley Cemetery at 11:00am.