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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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'Family Circus' Mommy Dies at 82

Real-life mom inspired long-running cartoon character

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(Newser) – The inspiration for the mom in the popular Family Circus cartoon has died at the age of 82 of Alzheimer's disease. Thelma Keane was the wife of cartoonist Bil Keane, who based the long-running strip of domestic hilarity on the couple's experience raising five children, reports the Arizona Republic. "I give all the credit to my wife," Keane said. "She was vital to any success that I had."

Thelma Keane, the wife of
Thelma Keane, the wife of "Family Circus" cartoonist Bil Keane and the inspiration for the Mommy character, right, has died of Alzheimer's disease. She was 82.   (AP Photo/Bil Keane courtesy Gail Keane)
Thelma Keane, wife of
Thelma Keane, wife of "Family Circus" cartoonist Bil Keane and the inspiration for the Mommy character in the long-running comic. She has died of Alzheimer's disease at 82.   (AP Photo/Family Photo)
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Inspiration for 'Family Circus' mommy dies at 82
Associated Press


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