Maria (Mary) D. O’Keefe (nee Cancilla) of Stratford (formerly of Goderich), died peacefully on Friday, May 1, 2020 in her 94th year. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 53 years, Joseph in 2001, and their son John in 2007. Dear mother of Marianne (John) Gallant of Woodstock, Joseph O’Keefe of Goderich (Karen) of Bright’s Grove, Nancy (David) Anstett of Stratford, Sr. Kathleen O’Keefe, C.S.J. of London, Thomas (Rebecca) O’Keefe of Calgary and RoseMarie O’Keefe of London. Mother-in-law to Shelley O’Keefe (Darryl Ferguson) and Toni O’Keefe of Goderich. She will be lovingly missed by her grandchildren, Joseph (Gina), Conor (Chrissy), Nicole (Avi), Danielle (Brian), Erin (Mark), Joseph P., Victoria (Thomas), Mackinley, Riley, Olivia, Kailey and Owen; and great grandchildren Julia, Emma, Evelyn, May, Ira, Lauren, Nora, Hailey, Aria and Milan; and fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by her parents, Augustus and Maria Cancilla, two sisters, Frances Lazzara and Nancy Cancilla; and one brother, Vincent Cancilla. Mary was born in Toronto on June 22, 1926. She came to Kingsbridge in her early 20’s to accept a teaching position. It was there that she met the love of her life, Joe, and they lived on the farm in Kintail until 1980 when they retired to Goderich. Mary’s great joy was her family. She was a devoted member of the Catholic Women’s League and a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Goderich. She enjoyed knitting, gardening, playing bridge, travelling and was an avid reader. The family would like to offer a very special thank you to the staff of Greenwood Court in Stratford and to Dr. Grace Langford, for their excellent care and compassion. Arrangements are under the care and direction of McCallum & Palla Funeral Home, Cambria Road, Goderich, Ontario. There will be a private graveside service, interment St. Joseph’s Kingsbridge Cemetery. A heartfelt thank you to Fr. David Butler of Stratford. A Mass in celebration of Mary’s life will be held at a later date when family and friends can gather together once again. As expressions of sympathy, donations to The John O’Keefe Memorial Fund, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/48618 , or a charity of your choice, are gratefully acknowledged. Messages of condolence to the family are welcome at www.mccallumpalla.ca.
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Christine MacIntyre
I was saddened to read of Mary’s passing. She was a kind, giving and thoughtful lady that I met through our services. I really enjoyed her sense of humour and her caring nature.
Madeleine Visser
On behalf of St. Joseph’s Catholic Women’s League of Stratford I offer my condolences to the O’Keefe family. We will miss her, she was a wonderful lady to talk to, and we were proud to have known her for the past 3 years. A mass will be offered for Mary at some point in the future.
Kelly Marshall
Rosie, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family at this time. Keep well. – Kelly
Mary Bedour
I am very sorry for your loss. I appreciated Mary’s help in my classroom at St. Mary’s and I thoroughly enjoyed our get-togethers with Dorothy Lyndon. Mary was a gentle soul and she was so very proud of her family. You’re in my prayers.
Anita Frayne
I would like to extend my condolences to all of the O’Keefe family. I have many good memories when I think about Mary, Joe and you, their family. Having grown up in the Kingsbridge community, and then having lived there for many years as an adult, it is hard not to be amazed, intrigued, bemused and amused by the interwoven fabric of relationships from the past and going forward. With Mary’s passing we have lost one of the few remaining members of the “Old Guard”. I think that generation left us a fine legacy with which to move forward. Cheers!
Anita (Hogan) Frayne
Cathie Gauthier
Dear Kathy,
Bob and I send our prayers and heartfelt condolences to you and your family. We await the time when we can pray together and wrap our arms around you in a big hug. Now your mom is safe with God, good and faithful daughter.
Love,
Cathie and Bob
Cathie Gauthier
Dear Kathy,
Bob and I are holding your mom and all your family in prayer, and await the time when we can wrap our arms around you to give an embrace of comfort. Your enduring love, tenderness and compassion for your mother speaks gently to us.
Peace to all.
Cathie and Bob
Joanne Brunton
My deepest sympathy to Sr. Kathy and her family on the passing of her mother. Mary lived in Kingsbridge and Goderich where my mother’s family lived, – the Finns and O”Neill. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Joanne Brunton and family
Steve and Robena Tyndall
Nancy, Dave and family:
We are saddened to hear of the passing of your dear Mother. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
Steve and Robena
Joanne Armstrong
Marianne and John, Rosie and family, My thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with you all during this very sad time in your lives. I pray you will feel the love and support of many in spite of these very difficult restrictions in place. May it help to know that the beautiful love you shared with your cherished Mom, mother-in-law and Grandma is forever. With my heartfelt sympathy, friendship and caring, Joanne Armstrong
Ray Donnelly
The O’Keefe Family
Sorry to read of the Passing of your Mother, Mary. We have known all of you for so long and want all of you to know are thoughts are with you in this tough time.
With love and respect:
Ray and Linda Donnelly
Karla Hogan
Dear O’Keefe Family, my sympathies on the loss of a loving and kind mother and grandmother. Tom and I thought a lot of your parents…such a nice, caring couple. Mary was always friendly and interested in what was going on with our family. She was an excellent teacher also. You’ll have countless wonderful memories of her, your dad and the good, supportive life they created for you.
Carole and Gary Murphy
Kathy, you always spoke so lovingly of your mother. May she rest in peace and may you and your family be consoled knowing that God is love and she is resting in God’s warm embrace. We send our sympathy, love and prayers. Carole and Gary
Dennis and Joanne Drennan
We were saddened to hear of your mother’s passing, and extend our deepest condolences to the entire O’Keefe family. She was a wonderful woman and raised a great family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Eileen Sleightholm
I used to do reflexology treatments on Mary when she lived in Goderich. Also my husband and I were on her callers list for her lifeline . We responded to one call which turned out to be a false alarm. We were so relieved. She was such a sweet lady. She will be missed by many.
Barbara Desjardins
My sympathy in your loss. Sincerely, Barbara Desjardins
Elaine Barton
Liz and I enjoyed our visits to Stratford. Sharing stories with Aunt Mary always brought back fond memories of the days gone by. We will miss the history of our families.
Evelyn Paparella
Sending my condolences to Rosie, Marianne, John and your entire family. I always loved Rosie sharing about your Mom. Thinking of all of you.
Evelyn Paparella
David Cann
Our sincerest condolences to all of the O’Keefe family on the loss of your matriarch. Mary was a dignified lady who always had a smile to share with everyone. Although she will be missed, take comfort knowing that she is in a better place; in the loving hands of our Lord. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
David Cann & Mary Ann Hogan & family
Susan Glaab
Kathy,
I wish I could be with you on Tuesday, but you know that I will be praying for you and your family.
Lovingly
Susan xo
Ann Pritchard
My condolences to the family. I will remember Mary as always having a lovely hint of a smile, and as child I knew I wanted to emulate her in that way that she made the world a more beautiful place.
Donna Hayden
Sincerest sympathy to all the O’Keefe family. Always enjoyed chats with Mary when she supplied at St. Joseph’s and whenever we met. She was very kind.
Jim and Donna Hayden
Gail Howes
Mary was such a nice gentle lady .Our condolence to the family. Colin and Gail
June Nash csj
Kathy,
Be assured of special thoughts and prayer for your Mom, yourself and your family on Tuesday.
I have entered your Mom’s name in our Book of Life for daily prayer and Mass (when we are able to have Mass.)
My deepest sympathy and prayer…..Blessings, Sister June Nash csj Pet’o
Rex & Mary Ann Johnston
Condolences to the O’Keefe family.
Mary was a very special person to us. We have many great memories and always enjoyed spending time with her. May God watch over her – she will be missed by many.
Rex & Mary Ann Johnston .
Andrea Lampkin
My sincerest condolences to Rosie and the O’Keefe family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Valerie Van Oosterhout
Dear Rosie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss! So often we shared about our moms. It is something we never ready for. I never met her but I know she was a wonderful lady just from listening to you, Rosie. My thoughts & prayers are with you!
❤ Val. xo
Cecelia Denomme
Dear Mary’s family – you are close in my heart – with special remembrances of a very special lady. Mary’s love of – her family, her faith and her community – A beautiful example for all !
We are blessed that she was special in our lives – Cecelia
Peter van Diepen
My condolences to the family.
Peter van Diepen
Debbie Whitmore
Mary was a very lovely woman and I always remember Mary and Joseph sitting at Mass. Very faithful couple. I pray for the repose of her soul and for her famiy at this time. God bless.
Marilyn & Tony Miltenburg
Mary was the nicest lady I know. This Sweetheart is going to be missed. Hug to all of her family!
Jo-Ann Blay-Rowan
Mary was a lovely lady. She was blessed with a very long life of memories her family and friends can cherish. I pray for the repose of her soul and for her family members.
Jim Mulhern
My condolence to Mary’s family.
Jim
Amber Riehl
Dear O’Keefe family,
We were so very sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. While I only met Mary in passing, I feel that I know through the stories that Erin has shared with me over the years.
It is such a difficult time to bring the family together but I know you all will be supporting each other and preparing for a time when everyone can gather together to celebrate a life well lived!
Much love,
The Riehl’s – Ryan, Amber, Nolan and Nina
Patti O’Keefe
To all my cousins – I know your mom was welcomed, with open arms, by your dad and John. What a reunion they will have!
Thinking of you all and looking forward to seeing you at Aunt Mary’s Celebration of Life.
Love, Patti & Marshall
Jim Van Osch
We offer our sincere condolences to everyone in the O’Keefe family at this time of Mary’s passing. We were blessed to have know her and to have been part of her life. Our prayers and thoughts are with her and all your family. Bill Van Osch and Jim and Terrie Van Osch
Jim and Pat Martin
Mary has a heart of gold and a pure soul. We loved Mary. Mary had a wonderful smile for all who met her. She was always cheerful and looked on the bright side of every situation. We wish to send our sincerest condolences to your family.