Senator Michael Hanley O'Keefe died peacefully at his Lakeview home on Sunday, January 31st in the 20th Senatorial District of New Orleans. Senator O'Keefe was born on December 1, 1931, in the New Orleans Irish Channel. He was one of the four children of Judge Arthur Joseph O'Keefe, Jr. and Eleonora Gordon O'Keefe. He married Jean Van Geffen O'Keefe on June 18, 1955, his loving and much loved wife, deceased in October, 1989. He was preceded in death by his sister Eleonora O'Keefe Ibert and his brothers Arthur Joseph O'Keefe, III and Captain Patrick O'Keefe. He is survived by his son Michael Hanley O'Keefe, Jr. and his daughter Erin O'Keefe Schmidt and his son-in-law Eric Schmidt. Senator O'Keefe is also survived by his three beloved grandsons – Michael Hanley O'Keefe, III (Juliet), Eric Talbot Schmidt, Jr. and Gordon Christian Schmidt. Senator O'Keefe was a third generation native New Orleanian. He was a graduate of Jesuit High School, Loyola University and Loyola School of Law. He served in the Military Police of the U.S. Army in Fort Hood, Texas. His lifelong beliefs in racial equality and social justice flourished early in his college career, at which time he became active in the beginning of the movement to desegregate our state. He was elected State Senator at the age of 29. In 1960, during his initial term in the senate, he accomplished what he believed to be his most important political achievement by introducing the first bill to de-segregate Louisiana schools. For 24 years, he dutifully served the citizens of Senatorial District 20 as well as the interests of our entire state. In 1976, O'Keefe was unanimously elected by his fellow Senators to be the first member of the Senate to serve as its President, at which position he served until his retirement in 1984. Even among his profound political accomplishments, he found his greatest joy in his family and friends. We will be forever grateful for the compassion shown and the care given by Dr. Thomas Cosgriff and his unforgettable staff at both the E.J.G.H. Joe Yenni Cancer Center and Lakeside Hospice for the precious time they afforded us with him. Our father and family would appreciate any donation to the American Cancer Society in place of flowers. On Saturday, February 6, 2021, at St. Pius X Church, 6666 Spanish Fort Blvd., New Orleans, visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Mass for the family. Due to covid 19 regulations, please follow the current restrictions and everyone attending is required to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online, at www.greenwoodfh.com.

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Published by The Times-Picayune from Feb. 2 to Feb. 6, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael O'Keefe

Sponsored by Greenwood Funeral Home.

9 Entries

Susan Hobden Steward

March 2, 2021

He was a great man, and yes, he was in a class of his own. A man who got things done. Deepest sympathy for the family.

Lisa Clement

February 6, 2021

Our thoughts and love. The Fitzmorris and O’Keefe families have enjoyed a treasured friendship for over half a century. Our deepest sympathy at the passing of your beloved father and our cherished friend. With love, Jimmy Fitzmorris
Lisa and Bruce Clement

Ben Bagert

February 6, 2021

Through triumph and tragedy, he always handled himself with grace and dignity. Although he was one of the most influential men in State government, he was never boastful. As president of the State Senate he led lesser men with his quiet persuasion and by his admirable example. He worked tirelessly for his local and state constituents. One cannot travel very far in our metropolitan area without encountering projects he delivered that have enhanced our city and its people. When he and I served as members of different houses of the State Legislature, whether we were matched as allies or opponents, I learned a lot from such engagements with him. One cannot spend 24 years in state politics without creating both admirers and detractors, but as for Mike O’Keefe, most will agree that he was a CLASS ACT.
Sympathies to his family.
Ben Bagert

John D. Fitzmorris Jr.

February 5, 2021

The Senator was a kind and generous man and will long be remembered for his courageous contribution to the cause of racial justice. Mike and his family will be in our prayers.

Glenn Burns

February 5, 2021

Rest in Peace Senator. You were always so gracious to me. It was an honor to have been a part of your defense team. My deepest condolences to Mike, Jr., Erin , Eric and your entire family

Arlene johnson

February 4, 2021

How saddened I am to read of Sen. O’Keefe’s passing....what a wonderful man he was.... He and my late father were classmates at Loyola University.... May God give his family peace and strength

The family of Benjamin J and Winifred Vappie Johnson

Charles Brodtmann and family

February 3, 2021

Michael and family, sorry to hear of your father's passing. I met him a very long time ago when we were at Christian Brothers and Jesuit High School together. Be strong and there for each other. Michael, don't know if you were aware of my mother's passing back on June 21, 2020. For us it was a hard Father's Day. May he Rest In Peace.
He is there with his fellow Blue Jays, like my father and uncle, watching over us.

PAT DECELL IRWIN

February 3, 2021

My late husband, George, was waiting for Mike in heaven. They were classmates at Jesuit and both were Lakeview residents for years. George always had fond memories of their history together. Please accept my condolences.
Pat Irwin

Mr. & Mrs. Russell J Moran III

February 2, 2021

So sorry for your loss Michael, rest in peace Senator.

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