Barbara Ann O'Keefe

On Monday, April 3, 2023, Barbara Ann O’Keefe of Fairfax, Virginia passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord. Barbara was the loving wife of Gerard (Gerry) O’Keefe (December 16, 1928 – July 4, 2016) for 62 years; devoted mother of Kevin (Diane), Kathy, Jim (Jeannie), and Matt (Nancy); doting grandmother to Kerry (Nick), Jared (Stephanie), Patrick (Lauren), Bridget (Tim), Rebecca (Kenny), Megan, Katie, JT, and Luke; and great grandmother to Robbie, Mckenzie, Andrew, Josephine, and Isabelle.

Born in Quincy, Massachusetts, Barbara was the daughter of Benjamin and Beatrice (Golbranson) Sullivan. Due to her father’s military career during World War II, Barbara moved frequently and attended four high schools in various states. She earned a BA degree from the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1952. Barbara attended the USMC Officer Candidate School in 1951 and was planning to be commissioned a second lieutenant following graduation from college; however, her decision to marry meant that she was unable to fulfill this dream. A more important dream began with her marriage. Gerry and Barbara were a true and lasting love story; Barbara worked endlessly to support Gerry in his career and to create a close loving family. In her own notes, she wrote that her proudest accomplishment was raising four accomplished and caring children. Family remained the most important dream for Barbara and Gerry O’Keefe.

Barbara taught elementary school for a few years before starting her family. She devoted many hours to her children’s education and activities. Her commitment to service was evident in her many volunteer activities. Barbara was active in the creation of the Washington Montessori Institute (Board Member) and the start of Montessori School of Northern Virginia. She an active volunteer with the Girl Scouts for over 20 years, mentoring many young women and overseeing the largest service project of the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital (the staffing of drinking stations for the USMC Marathon) from 1975-1977. She was active in her parish (St. Leo the Great) with Confirmation groups and other youth activities as well as being one of the first women lectors. Barbara also worked with the Archdiocese of Washington and St. Leo’s to support the weekly TV Mass which aired on Sunday mornings. For over 20 years, she served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister at Fairfax Hospital on the Labor and Delivery floor where she delighted in seeing the new mothers and babies.

Growing up, Barbara enjoyed acting and being in plays from elementary school to her time at The Elms. Later, she was an avid theatregoer and introduced the grandchildren to live theater through plays at the Kennedy Center, Ford’s Theater, and other venues. Barbara was known for her strength of character; her firm opinions and willingness to fight for them; and her loyalty, especially to her family and friends. She loved meeting new people and traveling. Barbara had a dry sense of humor and enjoyed telling stories. During her final years, she continued to entertain family and friends with witty remarks and stories from the past.

A Catholic Mass will be celebrated at a later date at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Fairfax, VA followed by burial at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Employee Caring Fund at Vinson Hall Retirement Community in honor of the wonderful staff at Arleigh Burke Pavilion who cared for Barbara during the last four years of her life. https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E6388&id=1