Obituary of Elaine M. O'Keefe

ELAINE M. O'KEEFE

LATHAM – Elaine M. (Bucci) O'Keefe, 92 of Latham, entered into eternal rest on August 1, 2024, at Saint Peter's Hospice Inn with her loving family at her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Lawrence A. O'Keefe. Together, they shared a cherished union of over 42 years prior to his passing in 1997 and were blessed with nine children.

Born on December 13, 1931, in Troy, NY, Elaine was the daughter of the late Dr. James V. and Josephine (Covatta) Bucci. Elaine and her late husband, Lawrence, were married on April 16, 1955, at St. Vincent's Catholic Church in Albany by Monsignor McGinn.

Elaine attended Miss Quinn's School in Albany and continued on to Holy Names Academy. She graduated from Kenwood High School (Convent of Sacred Heart) in 1949. She then went on to graduate from the College of Saint Rose with a bachelor's degree in nursing in 1953. She began a long nursing career at Albany VNA / Albany Medical Center and later Albany Memorial Hospital. She completed her nursing career at the Leonard Hospital in Troy. She found fulfillment and reward during her time as a dedicated nurse. Elaine also worked as a Democratic Committee Member for the 37th District in Colonie for several years.

Elaine enjoyed golfing with the Colonie Ladies Golf League. She bowled and played bridge with friends. She always looked forward to celebrating holidays and vacationing with family. She looked forward to weekly picnics at Cherry Plains State Park as well as trips to Lake George, Cape Cod and Saranac Lake. Most of all Elaine enjoyed spending time with her family.

Elaine was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Latham and former parishioner of Saint Brigid's Church in Watervliet.

In addition to her late husband and parents, Elaine is predeceased by her brother Raymond G. Bucci (Bonnie), son-in-law Gregory Lyons, and many beloved members of the extended Bucci, Covatta, and O'Keefe families.

Survivors include her nine children Mary Beth (Dr. Leonard J.) Sonne of Loudonville, Robert (Bernadita) O'Keefe of California, Diane O'Keefe of Latham, Sharon (late Gregory) Lyons of New Jersey, Elaine (Peter) Howard of Guilderland, Lawrence (Helen) O'Keefe of Maryland, Colleen (Gary) Scott of Cohoes, James (Christine) O'Keefe of New Jersey and Mark O'Keefe of Latham. Elaine also leaves behind cherished grandchildren James Sonne, Paul (Courtney) Sonne, Eric Lyons, Jessica and Kristen Scott, Elise and Shaina Villareal, Daniel O'Keefe-Allen, Patrick O'Keefe, Andrew and Donivin O'Keefe, great grandchildren Maya, Nina, and Leo Sonne. Also survived by her cherished niece Jeanne Bucci as well as many other nieces and nephews of the Bucci and O'Keefe families.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 10:00 AM, at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet Shaker Rd., Latham with Reverend Geoffrey Burke as celebrant. Interment to immediately follow the mass in the family plot of St. Patrick's Cemetery, Watervliet.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of The Dufresne and Cavanaugh Funeral Home, Latham. For further information or to leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.