1942 - 2017
Visitation
April 24, 20173-7P.M.
Dolan Funeral Home
Funeral
April 25, 20179 A.M. DFH 10A.M. Church
All Saints Episcopal Church
Barbara A. O’Keefe, 74 of Westford, MA, passed away Monday April 17, 2017 in Dover, DE.
She was the wife of the late David B. O’Keefe who died March 2, 2000.
Born in Buffalo, NY on May 20, 1942, she was a daughter of the late John Van Johnson and Helen (Steele) Johnson. She went to Altoona High School and graduated in 1960. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education at The Pennsylvania State University.
A resident of Westford for over 40 years, Barbara worked for Chelmsford Public Schools as a School Administrator and Science Teacher for 43 years. During her tenure, she took a sabbatical and earned a Master’s Degree in School Administration from Lowell University.
Barbara loved spending time with family and friends, especially in Wells Beach, ME. She cherished traveling to see her children and adored visits with her grandchildren. Barbara also enjoyed photography, gardening and spending time with friends. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma organization, an educational organization.
Barbara is survived by two daughters, Tara (Day) Barnhart of Gaithersburg, MD and Heather Crowe and her husband, Tom of Dover, DE; a son, Richard Brett Day and his wife, Paula of Lake Oswego, OR; step-son, Scott O’Keefe and his wife, Tricia of Chelmsford, MA and step-daughter, Major Stacey O’Keefe (US Army, Retired) of Nashua, NH; a sister, JoAnn Miller and her husband, Gary of York, PA; eight grand-children, Brandon and Jake Day, Kaitlyn, Emma and Jackson Crowe and Kasey, Matthew and Molly O’Keefe and her dear friend Joe Banafato of Concord, MA.
Visiting hours are Monday 3:00 to 7:00 P.M. Funeral Tuesday at 9A.M. from the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX ST., CHELMSFORD, MA followed by a service at 10 A.M. at the All Saints Episcopal Church 10 Billerica Road, Chelmsford. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Chelmsford. In Lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association 4601 North Fairfax Dr. Suite 700 Arlington, VA 22203. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041.
Donna Hussey
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I am sending my sympathy and sharing the story of when I met Barbara. I was hired as the English coordinator from outside the system. Barbara, who had been appointed as the science coordinator, was given the added responsibility of mentoring me. From the day we met she was there to offer support, advice when asked, and most importantly friendship. A beautiful woman, both inside and out. May angels do the same for her as she did for me.
David Hedison
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Words cannot begin to express the admiration and love I had for Mrs. O’Keefe. She was an amazing teacher and an amazing person. She cared for me as a student and as a person. The world has lost another amazing person. So sad…..
Tom Crowe
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I was fortunate enough to have known Barbara for over 20 years! What she did for me personally over the years is more than words can say. From the first day we met she welcomed me with open arms. Barbara and Dave welcomed me into their home as more than a guest; like a son! She had already raised three great children and I have the pleasure of being married to one; Heather. What she instilled in them throughout their lives is nothing short of amazing and for that I get to continue to live out my days knowing that I have a part of her with me. From all accounts she was an awesome educator, mother and friend to all. Her door was always open to anyone her children would bring around and treat them like her own! One special moment I’d like to share was recently her daughter, Heather, was named North Dover Elementary Teacher of the Year! I know Heather was so proud to be able to share this honor with her mom a couple of weeks ago before her passing. The world lost an angel on earth, but I find comfort in knowing she is up there on my side watching over all of us and we will one day be together again!
Beverly Hedison
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I will miss my dear friend Barbara. I worked with her for many, many years. Barbara was so kind and caring. My son Bruce asked her if he could plant flowers in the small lab at McCarthy. She worked with him and when the plants were ready he delivered them to the Nursing Homes She was a great hostess and had the best parties with her friends from school. I loved her and think of her with a smile on my face. What a great girl!
Pam DiGrezio Lawrence
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I fondly remember all the years Barbara and I taught together at Chelmsford a High School. I can still hear her laugh as we joked during our 17 minute lunches. Barbara O’Keefe will be missed, but she remains in our hearts and minds.
Pam DiGrezio Lawrence
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I fondly remember all the years Barbara and I taught together at Chelmsford High School. I can still hear her laugh as we joked during our 17-minute lunches. Barbara O’Keefe will be missed, but she remains in our hearts.
Donna Arnold
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I am fondly thinking of the many times during high school that I drove over to the house in Westford and was greeted warmly by your mother.
Robert Cruickshank
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Barbara dedication to providing educational opportunities to all Chelmsford students was unsurpassed. Barbara’s classiness and professionalism exemplified her commitment of 43 years teaching and coordinating science curriculum in Chelmsford Public Schools. Barbara was a “special” person and educator.
God Bless
Del
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I want to extend our sincere condolences to the family. May God grant you peace and strength during this time . Keep your loved one alive always in your hearts and remember all the beautiful memories they have given each one of you. Revelations 21:4 says, “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” May God’s words bring comfort to you and the family at this time of sorrow.