Julia O'Keefe

On September 1, 2022, Julia O’Keefe passed away peacefully at Rainbow Hospice Ark in Chicago, Illinois. Julia was 94 years old.

Julia (Lowe) O’Keefe, was born in Carrownamorheeny, Elphin, Co. Roscommon, Ireland. She was the third child of Patrick and Mary Ann (Beirne) Lowe.

Julia emigrated to the United States with her sister Sheila. There they joined relatives and many of their former countrymen, working and also socializing at dances and get-togethers at friends’ homes. Julia met Joseph O’Keefe at one of those dances. They fell in love, married, and had six children. Julia enjoyed spending time with her children, and later with her grandchildren. She was an expert seamstress and created beautiful clothing, scarves/mittens, pillows, draperies, and household items. She also enjoyed needlework - particularly in crewel, cross-stitch, knitting and crocheting - providing beautiful afghans, sweaters, wall art, and doll clothing for her daughters’ dolls. Julia doted on her grandchildren, spending time with them and making them stuffed toys, clothing, scarves/mittens, and their favorite meals.

Julia also enjoyed traveling with her husband Joseph and in-laws the late Noreen and late Martin O’Malley.

Julia was preceded in death by her parents, Patrick Lowe and Mary Ann Beirne, her husband Joseph, her brother Mark Lowe, sisters Mary Quinn and Sheila Kloepper, and many beloved in-laws, nephews, and friends.

Julia is survived by her children, Patricia (Dennis) O’Neill, Mary, Loretta (Steve) Alepoudeas, Margaret, Theresa (Ken) Voeks, and John (Kathleen Diviak); grandchildren Jeffrey, Eric, Jennifer, Terrence, Sean, Kevin, and Tabitha; stepgranddaughter Katie, in-laws Jennie O’Keefe, Margaret O’Keeffe, William Morrissey, and Sean (Rita) O’Keeffe; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rainbow Hospice Ark, 7435 W. Talcott Ave, 4th Floor East, Chicago, IL 60631.

Burial in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Gr. 2, Lot 5, Blk 307, Sec. 40