Obituary of Dolores Ann O'Keefe

It is with heavy hearts, and the most profound sadness, that we share the passing of Dolores Ann O’Keefe (nee Careen) of Point Lance. Dolores passed away in her 76th year after a long and courageous battle against cancer. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family; her husband, Hughie O’Keefe; daughters Amy Gibbons, Lisa (Jason) Nash and son Hughie (Amanda Dawe) O’Keefe, along with her greatest admirers, her grandchildren, Annabelle, Jada, Nathan, Claire, Landon, Keira, Miley, Spencer & Sadie and a very special family friend Jill (Earl) Hann. Dolores was born in 1949 in Point Lance to Annie and Gerard Careen. She is predeceased by her father Gerard Careen, brother Walter Careen, sister Marian Mooney, parents-in-law Sarah and Clement O’Keefe, brothers-in-law Foncy Careen, David O’Keefe, Clem O’Keefe and Bud Lake. She belonged to a large family and leaves to mourn her mother Annie Careen, sisters Bernadette, Joan (Eugene) Manning, Rita (Roger) McGrath, Glenda (Denis) Nash; brothers Willie (Cathy) Careen, Gerard (Annette) Careen, Reggie (Cathy) Careen, Dermot (Rhoda Hynes) Careen, brother-in-law Len Mooney and a lifetime friend Jeannie Careen. Dolores was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was known for her honesty and the strength of her voice. Her honesty was a gift - you never had to wonder what she was thinking. She brought clarity to the conversation to ensure you never needed to interpret her point of view. She faced her cancer journey with remarkable courage and unwavering strength, meeting every challenge with a brave and determined spirit. Our family is forever grateful to her family doctor, Dr. Sheilagh McGrath as well as Dr. Laing, Dr. Larsen and their Oncology team, who cared for her with such tenderness and compassion. Their kindness wrapped around her like family, allowing her to feel truly seen, supported, and loved. We cannot begin to express our heartfelt thanks to the nurses of 5 North A, whose care and support meant more than words can express, especially nurses Jenine MacFadden and Kim D’Angelo. In moments of loss, we naturally pause to reflect on the legacy a life leaves behind. Hers is a legacy of bravery in facing the unknown, courage in making difficult decisions and being tough when she felt she had no other choice. Her legacy shows the depth of her character—her strength and her love she shared with those around her. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Coombs Funeral Home, Placentia. Visitation will take place at Our Lady, Queen of Peace Church in Point Lance on Friday, February 6 from 1:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service to begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday and visitation on Saturday, February 7 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. with Funeral Mass at 2:00 pm. A family burial and celebration of life will take place at a later time. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Daffodil Place; flowers are also gratefully accepted.