Jacquelyn Delores O’Keefe “Jackie” of Merritt Island, Florida, passed away on August 17, 2019, surrounded by her family, following a heroic struggle with cancer. She was 83 years old and was a resident of Merritt Island for 56 years. Jackie was born in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of John and Nolda Rutter, and the sister of John Rutter, Jr. She met Pat O’Keefe in 1953 and they married in 1955. They were blessed with six children: Michelle Roberts (Darrell), Kathleen Connelly (Tom), Mary Elizabeth Gray (Joseph), Michael (Paula), David (Jerri) and Scott (Michelle). In the 1970’s Jackie and Pat added a foster son, Everett Thompson, to their lively family. Jackie was especially fond of her fifteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
Jackie was a stay-at-home mom, an accomplished seamstress and creative jewelry maker. She was also a published artist who worked in a variety of mediums and taught all over the country. She was active the local community and her church, Divine Mercy Catholic Church, supporting a wide variety of volunteer programs including the Blood Bank, Girl Scouts and Marriage Encounter. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. on August, 2019, at the Life Event Center at Florida Memorial Gardens in Rockledge, FL. A funeral mass will be conducted at Divine Mercy Catholic Church at 11:00 A.M. on August 27, 2019.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity close to your heart.
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