Real life "Mommy" of "Family Circus" comic-strip passes away in her 80s
 

Yesterday,in her 80s,Thelma Keane
who was the inspiration for the mother in Bill Keane's "Family Circus" comic strip,passed away from Alzheimers.

Bill Keane's strip started back in 1960 and he based it on his own family. He and Thelma were married over 50 years. They all lived right here in Phoenix....specifically the Paradise Valley area.

I saw them both on the news several years ago,talking about how the idea for the comic strip started. Thelma handled the business end of the "Family Circus",so that Bill could just do what he did best.
What a wonderful loving wife for a man to have...and I know he gave as much to her.

Rest in peace "Mommy" Keane.

Re: Real life "Mommy" of "Family Circus" comic-strip passes away in her 80s
 

Well, that's sad....

I always read that comic when I was a little kid.

I didn't realize that it was based on a real family.

Re: Real life "Mommy" of "Family Circus" comic-strip passes away in her 80s
 

First I hear of her, but still is sad. :(