Nancy D. O'Keefe

1925 - 2023

Nancy D. O'Keefe died peacefully Saturday, June 17, at the young age of 98, after leading a long and fulfilling life. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph J. O'Keefe Jr., with whom she shared 70 years of marriage before his passing in 2021. Joe always called her his "beautiful bride" and the "love of his life." Born in Salisbury, MD, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Della (Barker) Daugherty. She was a 1947 graduate of the University of Maryland and taught home economics in Maryland and California. Nancy attended St. Anne's Catholic Church in Bethlehem for over 60 years. Nancy was known to her family and community for her kindness, generosity, and constantly cheerful and positive attitude. She welcomed family and friends into her home, with a hug and a smile. She was always optimistic and had a beautiful, sunny outlook on life. She often showed her affection for family and friends through her passion for masterful cooking. She was the ultimate homemaker, famous for her delicious pecan pies, dinner parties, and was the "hostess with the mostess." Her grandchildren will never forget the blue and white cookie jar filled with her oatmeal raisin cookies. Nancy will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, neighbors, and friends. We are heartbroken but incredibly grateful for the gift we had in her. Her kindness, passion, sensitivity, humor, empathy, and love were practically unrivaled,

and she will be terribly missed. She is survived by her sons, Joseph J. O'Keefe III (Tish), Michael P. O'Keefe (Cindy), Sean O'Keefe; 7 grandchildren, Tyler (Samantha), Andrew (Caity), Hope (Ben), Justin, Ryan, Craig, Erin; 2 great grandchildren, Anne and Oliver. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Nancy and grandson, Peter.

Services: Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Friday, July 7th from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, followed by a Prayer Service at 11:00 AM all from the JAMES FUNERAL HOME, 527 Center St., Bethlehem. Entombment of ashes will be at Holy Saviour Cemetery. more info at www.jamesfuneralhome.org. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke's Hospice, 240 Union Station Plaza, Bethlehem, PA 18015. https://www.slhn.org/visiting-nurse-association/hospice