Obituary of Joan Kirby O'Keefe

Joan Kirby O'Keefe passed away peacefully surrounded by love and family on Saturday, May 27, 2023. The youngest child of John and Marion Kirby of Rye, NY, born into the years of the great depression and raised during World War 2, Joan learned early on to cherish the little things, celebrate family and always have an open door for an unexpected guest or long-lost family member. 

A member of Resurrection School class of 1946, Rye High School ‘ 50 and proud graduate of Saint Joseph’s Hospital Nursing Program in Yonkers, NY, Joan began her career as a young nurse in the maternity ward at United Hospital in Port Chester, NY. Joan was introduced to Daniel “Chubby” O’Keefe through her lifelong friends the Cunninghams which began their romance and 61 year marriage until his death in 2013. They settled in Rye, NY. After taking time off to be with her children, Joan returned to nursing at The Osborn, also in Rye and reunited with her nursing school family until her retirement after 20 years of dedicated service. Joan and Chub settled in Surfside Beach, SC enjoying many years with newfound friends, family, laughter and travel in retirement. Her final days were at Brookdale Palm Coast, Florida in the care of their kind and dedicated staff and hospice caregivers to whom we are so grateful. 

Mom to Dennis (Angela), Suzanne (Paul) and Katie O'Keefe, her late dear son Daniel "Joe". Nana to Paul, Katie, Lars, John and Anna and beloved “Aunt Princess" to many nieces and nephews and extended family. Joan took such pride in her grandchildren that never failed to put a smile on her face or nod her head in quiet approval as she listened to their stories and heard of their accomplishments. 

Joan was predeceased by her sisters Adelaide McGee and Marion (Dede) Maloney, her brothers Thomas, John, James, and George Kirby. Born in 1932, Joan left us a week before her 91st birthday. 

She will be dearly missed. 

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday June 27, 2023 at the Church of the Resurrection in Rye, NY at 10:00 AM.  The Mass will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in person.  To view the livestream, please click here.