Obituary of Elizabeth Jane O'Keefe

Elizabeth Jane O’Keefe, (Betty) passed away at home on March 4, 2024 after a brief illness.

A resident in Morris Plains/Morris Township and member of Saint Virgil's parish for over 55 years, she was predeceased by her husband James F. O’Keefe, her brother Andrew Griffin and sister, Charlene Johannsen. She is survived by her sister Margaret Rose Agostino & her husband John of DE and brother-in-law Ken Johannsen of NH. Betty is also survived by her 3 children residing in Morris Plains: James Charles O’Keefe & wife Laure; Maureen Elizabeth O’Keefe; and Kevin Michael O’Keefe & wife Fran, and her beloved grandchildren Katie and Macklin O’Keefe and step grandchildren James, Bryan and Michael Allatta. Betty is also survived by numerous godchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews whom she all loved dearly.

During her children's school years at Saint Virgil’s grammar school and Bayley Ellard High School, Betty was a homemaker and volunteer for countless activities, organizations, committees and boosters. Ranging from scouts, room mother, running card parties, to being the Chairperson of the Annual SVS Carnival and president of the Rosary society (twice), she did it all and loved every minute of it! Her volunteering at the parish continued until recently. Betty was especially committed to wheeling patients at Morris View nursing home to the chapel to celebrate mass every Thursday for over 20 years.

Once her children were out of school Betty returned to the workforce as a sales support representative for AT&T/ NCR and worked for over 20 Years in Morris Plains, Liberty Corners and then Berkeley Heights. She took great pride in supporting her salespeople and received numerous awards, including trips to Disney and Great Performers trip to San Francisco. Betty took all those skills she honed as a busy mom and parlayed them into a fulfilling career.

Betty loved to travel, belonged to the Morristown Theater Group for over 20 years, enjoyed “taking a ride” in the car (and had an awesome sense of direction), and especially enjoyed spending time with all of her many dear, close friends. Betty’s favorite activities included taking her granddaughter, Katie, to Broadway shows and enjoying crab cakes & Red Lobster lunches with her grandson, Mac. Whether it be playing bridge, mahjong or going to lunch with the girls, Betty cherished and enjoyed life to its fullest.

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Thursday, March 7, 2024 from 3-7pm at Dangler Funeral Home, 600 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains. A Funeral Mass for Betty will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 10:00am at St. Virgil's Church, 250 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. 

If you'd like to do something to celebrate Betty's lifelong commitment to service and her community, her family invites you to make a donation to St. Virgil's Church Carnival.  Checks can be mailed to:

St. Virgil's Parish, Carnival Committee, 250 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, NJ  07950.