Obituary of Margaret M. O'Keefe

Margaret M. O’Keefe passed peacefully on Friday, January 25th.  She shared 98 years of love and faith with everyone she met.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 30th at 10:00 am St. Cecilia’s Church, Rockaway.  Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.  Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, January 29th from 5-8 pm at the Norman Dean Funeral Home, Denville.  

Margaret was born in Newark to the late Thomas and IsabelleCarolan.  She married Eugene O’Keefe when he returned after serving his country during WWII. They lived happily in the Vailsburg section of Newark for over 25 years until Eugene’s death.  Margaret remained in Newark until moving to Rockaway Boro several years ago.  Margaret attended Sacred Heart School in Vailsburg.  Later as an adult she became an active member of the parish. Eventually running the Food Pantry, volunteering at the school, running the monthly 50/50, and participating in Rosary Altar Society. She was also an active member of the Columbiettes of Bloomfield.  Margaret was an avid bowler who competed in many women’s leagues in her area.  Margaret loved the summer and sitting by the pool at the many pool clubs she belonged to over the years.   Her secret to living 98 years was tea and cookies every day.  Her sense of humor, strong spirit (spunk), and endless energy will be greatly missed by her family and friends. We take comfort in knowing she is reunited with Eugene, Molly and all of her beloved relatives and friends who have gone before her. We know she is sitting by the pool in heaven with a cup of tea and a bag of cookies.  

Predeceased by her husband Eugene; nephews Kenneth, LaRoyand Donald Carolan and great nephew Thomas Carolan.  She leaves beautiful memories to her nephews Malcolm Carolan (Maureen) and Daniel McNamee(Evelyn), her niece PeggyjayneMcNamee, Great nieces and nephews Mary Alice Cole (Frank), James Carolan (Monica), Joseph Carolan (Gina), Donna Jean Carolan, and Donnie Carolan, and many more loving relatives and friends. She was truly loved and will be terribly missed.