WARRENTON—Martha Anne O’Keefe (née Walsh) will be remembered as a loving mother, wife, grandmother and a Rockette at heart.
Born on February 22, 1938, in Salem, Massachusetts, Martha danced through life with a free spirit and a joy that left an indelible mark on everyone she met. She passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024, in Warrenton.
Martha is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, John A. O’Keefe Jr.; her beloved children, John A. O’Keefe III (Therese) and Teryl Taglieri née O’Keefe (Thomas); and her cherished grandchildren, Kellie, Colleen, Shannon, Christian, and Sofie.
She joins in eternal peace her parents, William and Mary Walsh; and her brothers, James and William, whose memories she carried close to her heart.
Martha’s journey began as a psychiatric nurse, having graduated from Mount Auburn School of Nursing in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She devoted her years to caring for others, spending her time volunteering in hospice care and on a suicide hotline, leading with the unwavering kindness and compassion that defined her.
Her life became an extraordinary adventure when she married John, a partnership that took them across continents. Together, they created a life of travel, learning and curiosity that they shared with their children and grandchildren.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Martha defied the odds with her indomitable motto: “Attitude is everything.” Her resilience inspired countless others, becoming the foundation of her legacy. Martha’s strength and positivity led to hundreds of thousands of dollars being raised in her honor for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, thanks to a campaign spearheaded by those moved by her courage.
A lover of the theater, show tunes and a good cup of coffee or scoop of ice cream, Martha was whimsical, mischievous and full of life. She found joy everywhere and inspired others to do the same. Her infectious spirit and love of fun made her unforgettable.
Martha’s family invites all who knew her to honor her memory by embracing life with the same zest and open heart she did. In her words, “Attitude is everything”—and Martha’s attitude was one of love, laughter and boundless strength.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Warrenton, with a celebration of life to follow.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.moserfuneralhome.com.
