Mary Jane O'Keefe

Age 74, died peacefully while surrounded by loved ones the morning of 12/23/2020, due to complications from Alzheimer's. Preceded in death by parents, Angela and Jim; brother, J. Patrick; sister-in-law, Carol Hogan-O’Keefe; and beloved grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. Survived by brother, Mike O’Keefe; nephews Patrick (Lindsay) and Tim (Abby) O’Keefe, and niece Megan (Patrick) Brady; seven great nephews and nieces, beloved cousins, relatives and friends. Mary Jane grew up in southeast Minneapolis, graduated from St. Anthony of Padua High School, and then set out to serve others throughout a lifetime. An Irish Catholic Democrat, her first career was in politics, including the MN DFL Party, and on the staffs of then-Senator Mondale and later with MN Senate Leader Coleman. While working for MESPA, she also was a caregiver for both parents in their final years, all while earning both BA and MA degrees. She ended her career with nearly two decades at the Senior Center at Sabathani in Mpls, serving their programs and needs of seniors with love before retiring in 2017. Mary enjoyed gardening, sports, music, conversation, and all time with family. She also was an active volunteer with Friends of St. Patrick and at the Irish Fair. Thanks to all who cared for Mary Jane with the same care she gave to others throughout a lifetime. Due to COVID, a private Mass will be held at St. Pascal Baylon, St. Paul, MN at 10:00am on 1/5/2021; with a You Tube livestream available at www.stpascals.org. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials preferred to the Senior Center (specifically) at Sabathani.