Mary Jane O'Keefe

Mary Jane Collins O’Keefe of Hamden passed away at Yale New Haven Hospital on March 5, 2015 with her family at her side. Born in Burlington Vermont on March 2, 1934. She was the daughter of the late William Collins and Dorothea (Limoge) Collins. Mary Jane was the beloved wife of the late William O’Keefe, Sr. for over 58 years. They raised their family in West Haven on Martin Street and never lost touch with the Martin Street gang. Mary Jane also leaves her best friend Ellen Burke. While Mary Jane had no brothers and sisters of her own she was quickly accepted into the O’Keefe clan as just one more kid. She leaves her sister in laws Peggy (Merrill) Guerette, Joan O’Keefe, and Dottie O’Keefe as well as her two brothers in law Martin (Karen) O’Keefe and David (Betsey) O’Keefe. She was predeceased by her sister in law Catherine Flannery and her husband Tom. Mary Jane was also predeceased by her brother in laws James and John O’Keefe. Mary Jane lived a full life filled with family and friends. She enjoyed socializing and loved her crafts. Each of her children and grandchildren have many handmade gifts from Grandma. For the last year of her life she was lucky enough to live at Benchmark of Hamden where she quickly made friends with all of her neighbors and the staff. Her family cannot thank them enough. It was a wonderful year for MJ. She served on many committees at Benchmark and was even President of the Resident Council. Mary Jane’s life will be celebrated by her whole family her three children Linda O’Keefe (William) Dillon of Wallingford, William (Gail Masotta) O’Keefe of Hamden and Christopher O’Keefe (WHFD) and his ex-wife Angelique of West Haven. She is also survived by her seven beloved grandchildren Michael (Marianna) Dillon, Shannon Dillon (Rodrigo) Cornejo, William (Nina) O’Keefe, Diane O’Keefe, Timothy O’Keefe, and Christopher (CJ) O’Keefe. MJ also leaves three beautiful great grandchildren Nicholas and Anthony Dillon and Julio Cornejo. In addition to Benchmark Mary Jane’s family would like to thank the staff of the MICU at Yale New Haven Hospital for their kindness and compassion and Dr. Lebson and Karen for all of their help. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in St. Joan of Arc Church. Friends are asked to go directly to church. Burial in All Saints Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday from 5 - 7 p.m. at Sisk Brothers Funeral Home 3105 Whitney Ave. Hamden. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to The Masotta Family Fund at Yale New Haven Hospital P.O. Box 1849 New Haven, CT 0508-1849. To leave an online condolence please visit www.siskbrothers.com

Mary Jane O'Keefe

March 2, 1934 - March 5, 2015