PLYMOUTH- Marilyn L. O’Keefe, 86, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, in her home.
Born in Antigo, Wisconsin on October 6, 1936, Marilyn was the daughter of Elmer T. and Viola (Buelow) Riemer. She graduated from Antigo High School with the class of 1954. Marilyn then pursued her love of healthcare by attending South Chicago School or Nursing, eventually graduating as an RN.
While going to nursing school, Marilyn came across Donald J. O’Keefe while getting a drink at Devitos Bowling Alley. After a short chase, the two would become inseparable and marry on July 6, 1956, in Crown Point, IN and blessed to this union would come five children.
Marilyn put all her heart in her passion as a nurse. She was loved by all her patients and co-workers. She started in South Chicago Hospital and South Shore Hospital in Chicago, to Our Lady of Mercy Hospital in Dyer, IN where she spent most of her career as a night supervisor, and lastly for Community Hospital in Munster, IN until her retirement in 1993. She proudly wore her graduation nursing cap all through her career, even when the styles changed through the years.
Marilyn was a sweet woman and was always smiling. She taught her children how to be good parents and an honest, true friend. She had a never-ending memory and would remember all events and send cards for birthdays and memories for family and friends.
She loved her husband, children, and grandchildren to no end. Marilyn was a techy Facebook junkie, who loved to take pictures for memories, and enjoyed playing phone and computer games; always the first to respond to any text or post. She used to enjoy painting and ceramics. In her later years, she enjoyed gardening and her water aerobic classes she took at the LifePlex in Plymouth. Every Friday after class, her friends and she would meet at Symphony. In her giving nature, Marilyn was always the first to welcome new families to their neighborhood and offer any help if needed. She loved to travel and went this past October to Hawaii, and occasionally enjoyed a Tom Collins drink.
She is deeply missed by her husband of nearly 66 years, Donald Sr., and her children: Kathy Tomczak of Crown Point, IN, Barb (Dr. Rodney) Joe of Olympia, WA, Donald J. (Brenda) O’Keefe Jr. of Merriville, IN, Dennis (Bob Rathmell) O’Keefe of Santa Ysabel, CA, and Marilyn “Moke” (Matthew) Taylor of Crown Point, IN; 10 grandchildren: Jeff (Dama), Matt (Emily), Shawn (Jorie), Nick, Ryan, Kate, Lauren (Dan), Brandon, Erin and Sophia; 5 great-grandchildren: Keylee, Aidan, Teagan, Aubry and Madison; sisters, Gloria Edwards, Nancy Jersey and Karen (David) Kriegel as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 27, 2022, from 4-7 PM EST at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. Funeral services will follow at 7 p.m. EST with Life Celebrant James Smart officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnson-danielson.com
