💔 CHRIS KEUNEN’S CLUB IS IN MOURNING AFTER THE L0SS OF HIS WIFE, ANNA KEUNEN… AND NOW, THE FOOTBALL COMMUNITY IS RALLYING AROUND THE PREMIERSHIP HERO AS TRIBUTES CONTINUE TO POUR IN
Tributes are flowing for the mother of two who is being remembered as ‘a beautiful person, inside and out’.
Tributes are flowing for Anna Keunen, a beloved figure at the West Perth Football Club who has sadly lost her battle with breast cancer.
Keunen was a mother of two and wife of respected West Perth premiership player Chris Keunen.
West Perth plays in the WAFL, and is the oldest Australian Rules football club in Western Australia, and one of the oldest clubs in Australia.
“The West Perth Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of Anna Keunen, beloved wife of premiership player Chris and mother to Xavier and Hayley,” the club said in a statement.
“Anna and Chris made the move from Victoria to West Perth in 2006, where Chris went on to play 209 games, including the club’s 2013 premiership, before retiring in 2018. Together, they built a life in the northern suburbs, with Chris continuing to give back to the club in various coaching roles following his playing career.
“Throughout it all, Anna was a constant presence. A passionate supporter who attended every game, home and away, and became a much-loved friend to many within the club community.
“Her unwavering support played a significant role in Chris’s journey and his long-standing contribution to West Perth.
“The club is incredibly grateful for Anna’s friendship and support over the past two decades.
“On behalf of our playing group, coaches, board, staff and sponsors, we extend our deepest condolences to Chris, Xavier, Haley and the extended Keunen family during this incredibly difficult time.”
A GoFundMe has since been organised to help the family through this “incredibly difficult time”.
“Chris, and their beautiful children, Xavier and Hayley, are now facing the unimaginable loss of their wife and mum,” the GoFundMe said.
“No family should have to worry about financial pressures while grieving such a profound loss. Every donation, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference and allow Chris to focus on what matters most— supporting his children and honouring Anna’s memory.”
The Quinns District Amateur Football Club was also hearbroken by the loss, and shared details of the GoFundMe on social media.
“Our sincere condolences are with everyone at Quinns District Amateur Football Club following the passing of Anna after her courageous battle with breast cancer,” the Perth Football League said
“We extend our thoughts to her husband, Chris, their children, Xavier and Hayley, and all of Anna’s family, friends and the wider Quinns District community during this incredibly difficult time.
“Our thoughts are with you all.”
Friends on social media all said the same thing about Anna … “she was a beautiful soul”.
“Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to Chris, Xavier, Haley, Peter and Barbara on the heartbreaking loss of your beautiful Anna,” one friend wrote..
“Words cannot truly express how deeply saddened we are. We feel so incredibly honoured and privileged to have known Anna and to have been able to call her and her family our dear and wonderful friends. Her warmth, kindness and beautiful spirit touched our hearts, and we will always treasure the memories and special times we shared.
“Anna was a truly beautiful person, inside and out, and her loss will be felt by so many. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten, and she will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our hearts, thoughts and love are with you all during this incredibly difficult and painful time.”
SOURCE: https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/west-perth-football-club-shattered-by-death-of-anna-keunen-much-loved-wife-of-premiership-hero-chris-keunen-c-22576287