Diane O'Keeffe

Diane Pollard O'Keeffe VIRGINIA BEACH - Diane Pollard O'Keeffe, 80, went to be with her Lord Nov. 8, 2010, with her family by her side. Diane was the youngest daughter of John and Una Pollard of Richmond. She was predeceased by her daughter, Sheila Marie O'Keeffe; and by two sisters, Elizabeth (Polly) Hagood and Vivian (BeeBee) Ashlin; and by her husband of 36 years, Patrick E. O'Keeffe. Born in Richmond, Diane graduated from Highland Springs High School in 1947. During the 1940s, she and her sisters, Polly, Jean and Vivian sang on the radio as The Pollard Sisters, at Army bases such as Camp Pickett and at other events throughout the state. Diane graduated from Norfolk General School of Practical Nursing having served as president of her class. She eventually became head of the EKG department at Virginia Beach General Hospital after having taught herself to read EKGs. At the age of 65, she graduated with honors as a registered nurse and volunteered for many years at the Beach Health Clinic. She continued to enjoy singing with The Beach Tones, a senior choral group that performs free concerts for the enjoyment of other seniors. Diane was known for her spunk, sense of humor and determination to overcome challenges. She always looked for imaginative and loving ways to take care of and teach her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered for the grace with which she lived, especially the last seven years of her life, dealing with the debilitating effects of dementia. Although she had difficulty communicating verbally during that time, she was able to connect clearly and lovingly with those around her through her quick and beautiful smile and her gentle spirit. Diane is survived by her daughters, Patricia O'Keeffe Brennan, Maureen O'Keeffe Corra; her son, Kevin Patrick O'Keeffe; her son-in-law, Robert Corra; three grandsons, Lee Patrick Brennan, Kyle Williams and Austin Corra; her sister, Jean Mahon and her husband Clif; and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of The Sholom Unit at Beth Sholom Village and Medi Home Hospice as well as to the two Sandras for the loving care, kindness and attention they gave to Diane and her family. A viewing will be held today, Nov. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 and a funeral, also at Altmeyer, on Saturday, Nov. 13, at 11 a.m. Interment will be at 3 p.m. in Washington Memorial Park, 6217 Memorial Drive, Sandstone, VA 23150. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to The Sholom Unit at Beth Sholom Village, 6401 Auburn Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464. (757) 420-2512. Expressions of sympathy may be entered at www.Altmeyer.com.