Helen Eileen Keefe

A visitation will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warner Robins, GA one hour prior to the funeral service from 10:00 am - 11:00 am. Services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warner Robins, GA. on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 11:00 am. Father Steven Pontzer and Deacon Jim Hunt will be officiating.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026 at 11:00 am at Oralabor Cemetery, 515 SE Oralabor Road in Ankeny, Iowa with Father Steven Orr officiating.

Helen was born April 19, 1942, in Elmhurst, Illinois to the late Howard E. Westbrooke and the late Marie Hoffman Westbrooke. She was married to her beloved husband, Edward Keefe, for 32 years until his passing in 2011. Helen cherished her family deeply and was known for remembering birthdays and special occasions with a card and a handwritten letter—a simple gesture that meant so much to those who received them.

Helen enjoyed a fulfilling career as an Activities Director at Valley View Village in Ankeny, Iowa, retiring in 1998. In retirement, she continued to find meaningful ways to serve others. She became a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny and served a term as Regent from 2002 to 2004.

A lifelong lover of nature, Helen especially enjoyed gardening, or “digging in the dirt,” as she affectionately called it. Her yard was filled with flower beds that she lovingly tended. Family and friends especially looked forward to the grape jelly she made from the grapes grown on her own vines.

Helen also took up classical guitar after retirement and enjoyed weekly lessons. She loved a good cup of hot tea and treasured gatherings with family and friends, particularly tea parties. She also enjoyed sewing, cooking, and being active in church activities and Bible studies. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was devoted to serving her church and community.

Helen will be remembered for her generous spirit, her devotion to family and friends, her strong Catholic faith, and the many thoughtful ways she brought joy to the lives of others.

She is survived by her sister, Jean Horan of Warner Robins, GA; brothers, Jeffrey Westbrooke of Juliet, IL. and Simeon Westbrooke of Atlanta, GA. and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Memorials may be directed to the family in Helen’s memory. Helen’s kindness, faith, handwritten notes, beautiful garden, and love for those around her will remain cherished memories for all who knew and loved her.

With honor, Burpee-Scott Memorial Chapel & Crematory and Ankeny Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.