Obituary of Patricia Maureen O'Keeffe

O'KEEFFE, Patricia Maureen (nee Healy)

November 4, 1938 – Calgary, Alberta

October 1, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

Patricia O'Keeffe, beloved wife of Frank O'Keeffe of Calgary, AB, AB, left this world on Friday, October 1, 2021 just one month shy of her 83rd birthday.

Patricia was born on November 4, 1938 in Calgary, AB and graduated from Crescent Heights High School. She was valedictorian of the University of Alberta, Calgary, in 1958, and president of the Undergraduate Society. Patricia had a long career as a teacher, first as a Junior High teacher at King George School in Calgary, teaching math (her favourite subject), and French, followed by many years teaching kindergarten and grade one children in the Yellowhead School Division in Edson, Alberta. Her patience, enthusiasm and creative teaching, involving numerous outdoor field trips into nature, made her a favourite amongst her many students. Patricia and Frank retired to Peachland, BC, where she continued to keep active with many volunteer positions including at the elementary school and the Wellness Centre before they moved back to Calgary.

Motorcycle rider, sharpshooter, math genius, builder of many things, midget hockey team manager, cross-country skier, creative craft-maker, educator, lifelong learner, gardener, dancer, lover of all living things and being outdoors, friend to all she met, a patient, kind and compassionate human being – if you knew her, you loved her.

To honour her memory, please be kind to everyone you know and meet – a smile never hurts. She will be greatly missed but always in our hearts.

Besides her beloved husband Frank O’Keeffe of 60 years, Patricia is survived by her children, Kerry Grant (Mike), Kevin (Maki) and Michael (Nicole); and grandchildren, Nicholas, Liam, Connor, Jay and Rori. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law Sharon Amy (Roger). She was predeceased by her parents, Walt and Day Healy, and brother Terry Healy.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed  here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB  T2H 2K6, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com.

In living memory of Patricia O’Keeffe, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.