Obituary of Jerry O'Keefe

Jermiah Joseph O’Keefe was called Home and touched the face of God on Feb. 21, 2024. It is with profound sadness that we, his family, announce the peaceful passing of a dear husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He will be forever loved and miss by his devoted wife of forty eight years, Linda O’Keefe, who never faltered in her vows “in sickness and in health”, his treasured daughter Tracey (Martin), his three cherished grandchildren Eoin, Ronan and Magdalene, who say good bye to the greatest man they have ever known. Jerry is predeceased by his parents Laura and Jeremiah O’Keefe, his parents in law Cyril and Isabella Nash, his brothers: Robert, Edward, Raymond, George and James, his sisters: Gladys, Madeline, Catherine, Theresa and Florence, members of the Nash family: Cyril, Roy, Raymond (Madeline), Margie (Jack), Bernice (Ernest) and Earl Hann. Leaving to mourn with great memories are his sisters: Dorothy (Herbert), Nora (Johnny, deceased), Lucy (Cliff), Rosemary (Joe), Madonna (Clifford), and Ruth (Gary), his sisters in law: Lorna (Dermot), Isabella (Bobby), Carol (Albert), Eleanor (Frank), Kathleen and Dolly, brothers in law: Kenneth (Jackie), William (Agnes), Davie (Rita), along with a large circle of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who loved him dearly. Jerry was born in Big Barasway and always held a deep love and devotion for his little hometown. A master at his own craft of storytelling, he could entertain you for hours with tales from Big Barasway to New York! His quiet presence exuded contentment and calmness in such a way one could listen to his gifted narrations for hours. He was a naturalist and took the most pleasure in sharing the joy and beauty of nature with others from feeding a bird to a day in the woods. He loved all animals, and his kindness was especially expressed with his fondness for dogs. Jerry was a faithful man of God with a special devotion to the Sacred Heart. His happy place was his family, and his wife Linda was his heart and soul! A special thank you to the staff at the Lions Manor who showed Jerry such compassion and care. To his caregivers Lorna, Jackie and especially Mike, who offered Jerry such comfort and kindness in his last days. Jerry O’Keefe was a good man! Being a good man is something you do, not something you are, He was also a great man! A great man is one who leaves others at a loss after he is gone (Paul Valery) He will be resting at Holy Rosary Church, Branch on Saturday, Feb. 24, after 2:00 p.m. Prayer service will take place on Sunday, Feb. 25 at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Rosary Church, Branch on Monday, Feb. 26 at 10:00 a.m. Interment to take place in the Roman Catholic Cemetery, Barasway. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Coombs Funeral Home, Placentia.