Carolyn O'Keefe

Carolyn A. O'Keefe, a longtime resident of Stoneham, died Monday, November 9, age 82, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House/Care Dimensions in Danvers.

Beloved wife of the late Robert P. O'Keefe. Cherished mother of Eileen M. Blake and her husband Christopher of Billerica, Matthew G. O'Keefe and his wife Maryann of Woburn, and the late Robert P. O'Keefe, Jr. Dear sister of Robert, Thomas, Richard, and Eugene Fields, Dorothy Harkins, Margaret O'Neil, Bernadette Lyall and the late William, James, John, and Mary Fields. Dear friend and sister-in-law of Mary Ellen Rousell. Adoring grandmother and "Mammy" to Shaun O'Keefe and his wife Patty, Christian, Daniel, Sabrina, and Hannah Blake. Loving great grandmother to Aidan, Cole, Logan, and Grayson O'Keefe and many nieces and nephews. She was the daughter of the late Robert A. and Mary E. (Murray) Fields.

Carolyn was born in Everett before moving to Stoneham with her family at age 14. She was the oldest of twelve children and cherished all of her brothers, sisters and their families. As a young girl, she enjoyed spending time with her Dad and siblings going to the family butcher shop and taking rides in the meat van sitting on buckets. She learned to be a loving, nurturing, kindhearted person who loved to care for children from her Mom.
She graduated from Our Lady of Nazareth Academy in Wakefield in 1956. She was proud of her faith-based education and kept in touch with classmates throughout the years with heartfelt letters.

Faith and Family were the two most important values in Carolyn's life. She was a member of St. Patrick Parish of Stoneham and most recently St. Margaret Parish in Burlington where she sat weekly in the front pew. She enjoyed the music, liturgy, and her small group of friends.
Carolyn met Bob O'Keefe from Boston on a blind date. Upon meeting Carolyn for the first time, Bob knew he had met the love of his life. They enjoyed dancing and would find a different dance hall each weekend with a close group of friends. Bob was working as an usher so Carolyn saw many movies in those early days. They married in 1961.

After marrying, the O'Keefes lived in Somerville for a short time. They eventually moved to Stoneham and made their home on Cedar Avenue. They raised their family across the street from the home she grew up in. They brought three children into the world to which they were devoted in every sense of the word. Years later, they welcomed their first grandson into their loving home.

More than anything, Carolyn enjoyed time spent with her family. She always put them before herself, ensuring everyone's happiness. Carolyn never missed an event for her children or grandchildren. She spent many years at their sporting events, plays, and dance recitals. She was a devoted Den Mother, Brownie leader, and taught CCD for many years. Carolyn was an avid gardener, loved to bake, and enjoyed her time as a class mother. The family made many road trips to the mountains of New Hampshire and to their campground in Maine. Fond memories were made when they took their first trip to Disney World in Florida when the park first opened, which led to many trips back to Disney World and several family cruises. Most recently, she enjoyed drives to the beach for her favorite lobster roll and the sound of the ocean.

She was a pen pal to many friends and loved ones near and far. Carolyn immensely enjoyed writing cards and letters to all. She also loved receiving notes and saved each and every one.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald-Finnegan Funeral Home, 322 Main St., Stoneham on Monday from 4-7 p.m. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Margaret Church (St. Veronica Parish), 111 Winn St., Burlington on Tuesday at 10 a.m. Interment, Lindenwood Cemetery, Stoneham.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923, or St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn Street, Burlington, MA 01803.

COVID-19 guidelines will be in effect. Those attending the visitation will be required to wear a mask and are asked to kindly pay their respects to the family and exit the building to allow for all visitors to greet the family.

November 16, 2020
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

McDonald - Finnegan Funeral Home
322 Main St.
Stoneham , MA 02180
(781) 438-0405

November 17, 2020
10:00 AM

St. Margaret Church
111 Winn St
Burlington, MA 01803