Margaret Mary OKeefe Life is Changed Not Ended Born on Feb. 16, 1925 to James and Ellen (Schulzinsky) OKeefe, Margaret Mary was welcomed by older siblings brother Bill and sister Marie. On Friday, Dec. 22,2023 Marge passed into Eternal Life at Vitas Hospice Care in St. Marys Hospital, Waterbury, CT surrounded by the competent, caring, compassionate staff of Vitas. She surrendered into the loving embrace of Mother Mary, Jesus Christ her Savior and all family who had gone before her. Marges life journey of 98 years (just 2 months shy of 99) was rooted in faith and dedicated to her family, friends and animals. There were no strangers in her life, only friends she had not yet met. Her outgoing, no filter personality always engaged others in conversations that were up close and personal regardless of where she was in the public square. Restaurants, Walshs, doctor office, ER at St. Marys ...it was all fair game to Marge. "Are you married? Why not?" This lady was reliable and diligent in serving her country and fulfilling her responsibilities working at Lea Manufacturing as a Lab Technician for her entire career. Extreme time, talent, treasure and unconditional love were showered upon nieces, nephews and friends alike throughout her life. In retirement early morning daily Mass was her anchor and compass. Filled with grace she lived her days always blessing others with an abundant love right from the heart. In her early years on the lake, she shared her love of water skiing with the nieces and nephews. Later in life she traded the outboard boat for a more conservative electric boat that would allow her to bring her favorite friends (dogs, cats, birds!) for rides. During the boating season in the later afternoon this Lady of the Lake could be found cruising clockwise for dock-to-dock pick ups of her favorite animals or friends as well as social stops with anyone that needed a boost of friendship or to share a celebratory adult beverage. Golfing was one of Marges passions that she took seriously. As fate would have it, she drew Gertrude Zappones name as a partner for a tournament years ago and they became lifelong companions sharing a home on East St. Cookouts, cards, gatherings at the lake, winters in Florida at Lighthouse Pt. and many other adventures with family and friends, During these past years as sight became compromised, hearing diminished and mobility challenged, Marge creatively coped with her losses and chose to find new ways to do things with the help of her close friends Diane, Cathy, Jackie and Ivan encouraging her each day. She expressed her gratitude and specially enjoyed "visits" from PJ and Nugget! She often said she preferred Animals over people. Margaret Mary thank you for showing us how to live the Gospel of rightly ordered Love of God, Neighbor, Gods Creatures and Creation. And also chocolate and ice cream!! Marges life will be celebrated on Wednesday, Jan. 3,2024 at 11 AM in St. Basil The Great Parish/ St. Pius X Church 525 Woodtick Rd. in Wolcott, CT. Inurnment will follow in the Queen of Peace Mausoleum in Calvary Cemetery in Waterbury. Visit www.woodtickmemorial.com for online condolences and directions. Services Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday January 3, 2024 11:00 AM St. Pius X Church 525 Woodtick Rd. Wolcott, CT 06716