Marion O'Keefe

In Memory of Marion Harrison O’Keefe

Marion Harrison O’Keefe was born in Meridan Connecticut, the youngest daughter of Albert Harrison and Katherine Henderson. She attended local schools, graduated, and while working met her future husband Thomas John O’Keefe (predeceased). They were married in Manchester New Hampshire, relocated to Burlington Vermont and finally settled in Bethel Connecticut where they raised their three daughters, Patricia O’Keefe of Belmar New Jersey, Kathleen Pearson of Unity New Hampshire and Maureen Houle of Merrimack New Hampshire. While in Bethel, Marion was active in the PTA and as President she initiated the Kris Kringle Bazaar, a fundraiser for the schools.

Thomas and Marion moved to Chelmsford Massachusetts where she taught Sunday school at Saint Mary’s Church. Marion also was a teacher in the Chelmsford School System. She was an active member of the Chelmsford Players where she performed in many plays and had a role in the movie Jumanji. Marion was an accomplished ballroom dancer and after the death of her husband, Thomas, enjoyed many hours dancing with her loving friend Raymond DeJonker (predeceased) of Methuen Massachusetts.

In her later years, Marion lived with Maureen Houle, her daughter and Michael Hammond, her daughter’s partner in Merrimack New Hampshire. Beside her three daughters, Marion leaves a son-in-law, Anthony Iwaszko, 8 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Internment will be at Saint Patrick’s Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Cardiac Rehab Gym at Lowell General Hospital in Lowell Massachusetts.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Saint Pius X Church, 575 Candia Road (off Route 93), Manchester New Hampshire on Monday February 21st at 10am.