Margaret "Peggy" O'Keefe Lafave

Peggy passed away in the care of Mary's Haven in Saratoga Springs, NY, on October 17, 2024. Peggy was known for her bright smile and her exceptional talent as a pastry and dessert chef at The Old Tavern in Grafton, VT, and the Lancaster Country Club in Lancaster, PA. Peggy loved finding ways to make others feel cared for, her faith being at the core of all she did. Peggy grew up in Deep River, CT, surrounded by generations of family. She took dance classes, played the fife in the town junior drum corps, was a cheerleader at Valley Regional High School, played field hockey, was an NHS student, and was voted Varsity Club Queen. Being a mother was one of Peggy's greatest joys. She instilled faith, curiosity, and a "work hard, play hard" motto in the lives of her daughters. While an at-home mom in Manheim, PA, Peggy created and sold decorated cakes out of her kitchen. Her wedding cakes were perfection! Peggy was a self-proclaimed people person, making new friends wherever she went. Lititz Moravian Church was her spiritual home for many years, and she sang in the choir on Sundays. Volunteering for Hospice was a lifetime goal she fulfilled while living in Lancaster, PA.
Peggy also worked at the front desk at Vermont Academy in Saxtons River, VT, doing office work and greeting students, faculty, and visitors. If it was a student's birthday, they would find a homemade personalized cookie in their mailbox. Upon Peggy's retirement, a Vermont Academy rowing scull was named the Margaret O'Keefe after her. Peggy passed away with her beloved husband David Lafave at her side. David cared for her with unmatched devotion, love, and patience, especially in her last decade. Peggy called David her angel and they shared many adventures together. Peggy is predeceased by her parents John "Jack" and Dorothy (Bohling) O'Keefe, as well as her sister and brother-in-law, David and Joan (O'Keefe) Brainard. She is survived by husband David, her two daughters, Amy-Beth Haskell and Melissa Carta Miller (Eli), along with four step children and eight grandchildren. Peggy lived for her family, her friends, and for God. She was gifted with imagination and humor, resourcefulness, and perseverance. Nature was where Peggy felt most at home, she loved to be active and would jump at the chance to travel. Very few people could keep up with Peggy! She will be deeply missed. Those who were blessed to know her are forever grateful for the many memories they have of their amazing mother, wife, grandmother, cousin, aunt, and friend.