Ruth V. O’Keefe Obituary in Peabody at Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home

Celebrate Life & Honor Every Memory

Ruth V. O'Keefe

August 07, 1927 - August 30, 2023

Obituary For Ruth V. O'Keefe

Ruth V. O’Keefe, 96, of Danvers, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph W. O’Keefe Sr. with whom she spent 35 years of marriage with until his passing in 1984.

She was born in Salem, MA on August 7, 1927 and was the cherished daughter of the late Edward and Theresa (Pothier) Donovan.

Ruth was a graduate of Salem High class of 1944. She had many hobbies and talents. She enjoyed painting, knitting, chair caning and lampshade making. She also loved reading and history.

She taught chair caning and lampshade making for Essex Agricultural School and various council of aging facilities. She worked with special needs children for the City of Peabody and Hogan Regional Center. Ruth also worked for many years at the House of Seven Gables in Salem, which was a great interest to her due to her love of history. She was a member of the Peabody Council of Aging, the Peabody Historical Society, where she earned a Pioneer Award and the AOH in Peabody where she was awarded Irish Woman of the Year in 1994.

Ruth is survived by her Sons, Patrick O’Keefe and his wife Donna of Indiana and Michael O’Keefe and his wife Patti of Peabody; her daughters Sharon O’Keefe of Florida and Terri Barnes and her husband William of Danvers; her daughter-in-law, Marianne O’Keefe of Utah; her 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth is predeceased by her son, Joseph W. O’Keefe Jr.; her siblings, Alice Fitzgerald and Martin, Richard and Robert Donovan.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 from 10:30-12:30 at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St. Peabody, followed by her Funeral Service in the funeral home at 12:30PM. Interment will be at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruth’s memory to the American Heart Association by visiting www.heart.org.

Services

6 Sep

Visitation

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home 82 Lynn St Peabody, MA 09160 Get Directions »

6 Sep

Funeral Service

12:30 PM

Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home 82 Lynn St Peabody, MA 09160 Get Directions »

6 Sep

Interment

01:15 PM

Puritan Lawn Memorial Park 185 Lake Street Peabody, MA 01960 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

09/07/2023

James E Fitzgerald

I will always cherish the memories of Aunt Ruthie during our years growing up in Peabody, as well as the later years in Florida. She was always like a second mother to me, never complaining when the cousins and I would bring home either snakes we found under rocks or the many fish we caught at the local shores. She was so talented, funny and caring. My deepest condolences to the O'keefe, Donovan, Barnes Families.
09/01/2023

Heather Zakas

I'll miss you every day. I love you the most. 💛
09/01/2023

Katie Koenig

Bimi will be missed! She loved a long life surrounded by family. Her artistic talents have been passed down to her grandkids and great grandkids. I treasure the ornaments she painted for us and the Irish baby bunting she knitted for my son. I am so glad Owen and Allie got to meet their great grandma last year. Rest in peace, Bimi. Love, Katie, Mark, Allie and Owen Koenig.