Joseph O'Keefe

It is with heavy hearts and utmost sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our father, grandfather, brother and friend Joseph Edmund O’Keefe on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at Melville Lodge Nursing Home, Halifax, surrounded by his adoring family.

Born in Glace Bay on February 4 1932, Joe was the son of the late Patrick and Anne (Petrie) O’Keefe.

Joe attended St. Anne’s school in Glace Bay and after graduation took a year off to decide his profession. He decided that teaching was his goal so he attended St. F.X. Junior College in Sydney for 2 years. It was during this first year that Joe met and fell in love with Claire Purcell, the love of his life. He then went on to St. F.X. and graduated in 1955 with his B.A. and in 1956 received his B.Ed. He then taught in Sydney at Sacred Heart School and for many years taught math at Sherriff Jr. High. Joe had a passion for encouraging and supporting the students that he taught and decided he would like to pursue a career as a Guidance Counsellor. He attended summer school at the University of Maine for 4 years and received his qualifications for this career change in 1966. He then accepted a position as Guidance Counsellor at Sydney Academy and would later earn the title of Director of Guidance, a position he held until his retirement in 1991.

Joe was a valued hockey coach for Sherriff Jr. High boys and led them to many victories. Joe also worked diligently on the board of the Children’s Aid Society of Cape Breton for many years, serving as president of the board for a 3-year term. One of his successful projects was re-establishing the boys’ group home in New Waterford.

Joe was a dedicated family man who adored his wife, daughters and grandchildren. He felt blessed to have his bungalow in Northside East Bay, where all of us spent many summers on one of his many boats, feeding on steak and lobster, hosting bon fires, dart tournaments and parties. Dad’s favourite day to celebrate was St. Paddy’s Day, as he was extremely proud of his Irish heritage.

Joe is survived by his four daughters, Margaret Anne Pickup, Colleen (Francis) Lynk, Sydney, Sharon (Michael) Boutilier, and Alison (Dennis) Wadden, Cole Harbour. Also surviving are his precious grandchildren, of whom he couldn’t have been more proud, Jeanne Pickup (Mike MacDonald), Cole Harbour, Janet Pickup (Evan Nemeth), Halifax, Jamie Wadden (Grampie’s hockey protégé), Cole Harbour and Tyler MacIntyre, Sydney.

Also surviving Joe are his brother and sister-in-law James and Jessie O’Keefe, Glace Bay, sister-in-law Sarah Belanger, New Britain, Conn., brother-in-law and long-time best friend Robert Purcell (Annette), Coxheath, the father of his granddaughters William Pickup, Coxheath, special grandnephew Joshua Lynk, and dear friend Paul Sullivan, Halifax. Also, many nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

Joe was predeceased by his wife Claire (Dec. 17, 2009), sister Moira, brother Gregory in infancy, in-laws Duncan and Anne Purcell, sisters-in-law Margaret MacPherson and Margaret Purcell, brothers-in-law Jack Purcell and Gilles Belanger, and by his special first grandson Michael Joseph Boutilier.

Visitation for Joe will be held from 7-9pm Monday, March 15 and 2-4 and 7-9pm Tuesday, March 16 in T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George Street, Sydney, 902-539-3002. Funeral mass Wednesday March 17, 2010 in St. Theresa’s Church at 10am with Fr. Norman MacPhee officiating with burial in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association would be graciously accepted.

Dad, we know that we will forever feel your presence and love with us and we take great comfort in knowing that you and Mom are together again...forever. We are proud to call you Dad!!

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