Skip to content

The family of Grace O’Keefe is saddened to announce her passing in Vernon, B.C. on January 18, 2017 at the age of 95.

Grace is survived by one brother Frank Emeny; one sister Alice Biggar; three daughters: Marg Scheck, Karen (Vic) Pasechnik and Lorraine O’Keefe; five sons: Patrick (Carolyn), Dennis (Vera), David (Catherine), Larry and Brian (Janet) O’Keefe; grandchildren: Lauren and Sean O’Keefe, Shelley and Lana O’Keefe, Carolee and Bryce Pasechnik, Kyle (Kim) Derrick (Andrea) and Aaron (Rebecca) O’Keefe, Jeff O’Keefe, Michael and Krista O’Keefe, Kowan and Karson O’Keefe; nine great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Grace was predeceased by her husband Leonard O’Keefe; son-in-law Ron Scheck; her brother Jimmy Emeny; and sister Jean Schubert.

Grace was born in Enderby, BC on February 5, 1921. She grew up on the Emeny farm where she developed her superb work ethic helping with the many farm chores. She attended the one room schoolhouse at the end of Emeny Road and rode a horse and buggy into Enderby to attend high school. After graduating, she went to secretarial school in Vancouver and worked as a secretary for Noca Dairy in Vernon. In Vernon, she met and married Leonard. Once the children were into high school, Grace became active in the Catholic Women’s League and was a lifelong member. She also started the Birth Right Chapter in Vernon. Grace also kept busy with her many grandchildren. She found them all delightful and they lovingly called her Granny. Later in life Grace returned to work as a bookkeeper for S. J. Pasechnik Construction.

Grace kept busy all her life knitting for her children, grandchildren, bazaars, and the thrift shop. Other things Grace enjoyed were crossword puzzles, golf, watching sports, and was a sought after team member in Trivial Pursuit.

Grace was so kind and giving that she will be greatly missed by anyone who knew her.

The family would like to thank Dr. Remmington, Dr. DeBeer, and all the staff at Heron Grove who really took such great care of our mother for the past 8 years.

Services for Grace will take place at St. James Roman Catholic Church: Prayers will be recited on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.

Interment - Pleasant Valley Cemetery following the Funeral Mass. Reception in the church basement

Arrangements have been entrusted to PLEASANT VALLEY DIGNITY FUNERAL HOME, 4303 P.V. Road, Vernon, B.C. V1T 4M4 Phone: (250) 542-4333. Condolences may be offered at pleasantvalleyfh.com



Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.