SPRINGFIELD – Jennie “Genowefa” (Syper) O’Keefe, 98, of Springfield, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2014, at Wingate of Hampden, surrounded by her loving family. Jennie was born in Westfield, MA on November 30, 1915, the daughter of the late Wladyslau and Annie (Danielewicz) Syper. Jennie was a graduate of Westfield High School Class of 1933.
She was a member of St. Michael’s Cathedral since 1941. Jennie worked for Bradlees in West Springfield for thirty-five years and retired at the age of seventy-five. She was a member of the UFCW, local 1459. She was a member of Golden Agers and participated in the Golden Agers Reviews. Jennie made her debut at the age of sixty-five at Symphony Hall and participated in the choral, skits and line dancing. She enjoyed traveling and collecting postcards. Jennie loved sewing, knitting and crocheting multiple outfits for her granddaughter’s Barbie dolls. She also made beautiful Afghan’s for family and friends. She was a Girl Scout Leader for many years, and a member of the PTA of the Acushnet Avenue and Cathedral Elementary School’s. She enjoyed hosting her family to a traditional “Weglia” a Polish Christmas Eve Dinner that will be missed by her family. Jennie’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff at Wingate of Hampden for their compassion and excellent care given to Jennie.
In addition to her parents she was also predeceased by her beloved husband, William J. O’Keefe in 1965; two sons, James W. O’Keefe in 2000 and Lawrence O’Keefe in 2002; her step-father, Alexander Sokolowski; five brothers, John Syper, Edward, John, Henry “Bob”, Alex “Polly” Sokolowski; a sister, Wanda Sheffell. She is survived by her two devoted children, Janice Calcidise and her husband William of Springfield, William O’Keefe and his wife June of Clearwater, FL; a sister, Annie Gordon of Oldsmar, FL and she leaves two daughter-in-laws, Pamela O’Keefe of East Longmeadow and Annemarie O’Keefe of Springfield. She leaves eleven cherished grandchildren, Anthony Calcidise and his wife Jessica., Elena Calcidise, Jennifer O’Keefe, Kristine Boussa and her husband Douglas, Kellie O’Keefe, Patrick O’Keefe, Michael O’Keefe and his wife Victoria, BillieJune Mondalek, Denise Moussa and her husband Abe, Gina Macchio, and Renee’ DeLaCroce and her husband Carl. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Devin, Katherine, Ryan, Jacob, Sean, Chance, Chandler, Alice, Carolyne and Jameson. She was a “Special Great Babci” to Billy and Jack Calcidise who gave her much love, laughter and joy. She always looked forward to attending their school functions and cheering them on at their sporting events. She leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and her dear friends, Angelina Nadeau and Dotty O’Connell.
Family and friends are invited to a gathering on Monday, June 9th from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield, MA 01118, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in St. Michael’s Cathedral, 260 State Street. Burial will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery, 1601 State Street all in Springfield.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jeannie’s memory to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104 or the Alzheimer’s disease Association 264 Cottage Street, Springfield, MA 01104. For online condolence please visit www.byronkeenan.com
