Passed away Thursday, February 7, 2013 in Berkeley, aged 81 years. A native of Ireland and resident of Berkeley for over fifty years. Survived by her daughter, Eileen Berger and her husband, Ralph of Orinda; sons, Patrick of Berkeley, and Rory of San Francisco; sisters, Eileen of Co. Clare, Ireland, and Pamela of Switzerland; brother, Patrick of Dublin, Ireland; grandchildren, Danna, Trina, Brianna, Brendon, and Brian; and her caregiver and friend, Veronica Machado. Preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Denis Keefe in 1990. Joan had been a lecturer for and was very active in the Celtic Studies Program at UC Berkeley. She co-edited "The Penguin Book of Women Poets" and was author of "Irish Poems from Cromwell to the Famine". Joan was a great cook and will be remembered for her keen interest in the goings-on of the world. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to American Heart Association, 1710 Gilbreth Road 100, Burlingame CA 94010.
Sunset View Mortuary
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2 Entries
Joanne De Phillips
April 3, 2013
Dear Eileen, Patrick and Rory -
I so remember you all and your dear mother with affection. I had no idea she was still in Berkeley. I thought, after your father died, that she had intended to move to Ireland, so I kept thinking of her there. I'm so sorry to have lost touch with her and with you all. My condolences to all of you, and I will keep you strongly in my heart and thoughts and hope to hear from you. Fondly, Joanne De Phillips (email: [email protected])
American Heart Association
April 1, 2013
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
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