Obituary of Louisa O'Keefe

O'KEEFE, Louisa - (nee Flynn) Passed away peacefully at home in the arms of her family on March 14, 2011 in her one-hundredth year, Louisa O'Keefe. Louisa was born October 18, 1911 in Dunville, Placentia. A graduate of Littledale College, she was a beloved teacher in Big Barasway where she raised her family before moving to St. John's. In town, she worked at several jobs but was most proud of her time as a cook at Mt. Cashel Orphanage, Hotel Newfoundland, and Mt. St. Francis - where she once prepared supper for Mother Theresa. She is predeceased by her husband Henry, their daughter Edna, her niece Flora Brophy (nee Murphy), and her daughter-law Mary O'Keefe (Cahill). To celebrate her life, she leaves her son Harry, her three loving grandchildren: Fabian O'Keefe (Janet); Colleen Peddigrew (Brian); Jacqueline Butt (Randy) and her seven wonderful great-grandchildren: Brian Peddigrew, Adam Peddigrew, Stephen Peddigrew, Nicholas Butt, Hillory Butt, Emily O'Keefe and Colin O'Keefe; her extended family from Dunville - the Murphys: Russell, Ray, Emlene, Mike, Elaine, Francis, and Harold - and the Walsh family: Tony, Tom, Anne Marie, and Pauline. She had many special friends including Bridgie Power, Mona O'Keefe, Monica Manning, Rita Walsh, Sheila Mackey, Madonna Shea, Pauline Butkus, Carmelita McGrath, and Cathy & Greg Mackey. The care and attention provided to her by the nursing staff of Community Health Services and the support of Dr. Heather Woodland was very much appreciated. Louisa was a lover of the arts - Newfoundland literature and theatre were passions of hers that she discovered after her retirement. She came to know the many local drama educators, writers, performers, and directors personally. Our dear Nan was known, loved, and admired by everyone she met. Louisa is resting at Cauls Funeral Home Wednesday, March 16 and Thursday, March 17 from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Her funeral mass will be 11:00 am Friday at St. Teresa's Church, Mundy Pond Road. Reception and celebration of her life will follow mass at St. Teresa's Parish Hall with internment Saturday 11:00 am in the Roman Catholic Cemetery, Big Barasway.