Obituary of Diane B. O'Keeffe

Diane Bell O'Keeffe of Loudonville, NY, formerly of Albany, Delmar, and Latham, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2022, at the age of 87. Diane was born in Cortland, NY on June 1, 1935 and is the daughter of the late Nelson Charles Bell and Evelyn Brooks Bell. Diane graduated from Cortland Junior Senior High School and Becker College, Worcester, MA. She had resided in the Albany area since 1956. She worked as an office assistant to Dr. John C. O'Keeffe, Dr. John K. Meneely and Dr. John J. Phelan, Jr. On August 20, 1960, she married Dr. David W. O'Keeffe, and together they raised three children. When the children were of school age, she returned to work assisting in local physicians' offices. Diane actively served in many capacities in the community over the years. She was a board member of the St. Peter's Hospital Auxiliary (where she was a past recipient of the Auxilian-of-the-year Award), the Junior League of Albany, Albany County Medical Auxiliary, The Woman's Council of the Albany Institute of History and Art, Mother's Association of the Albany Academy and Albany Academy for Girls, and Next Step (alcoholism support services for women). She was formally a member of the Albany Country Club, and most recently of Wolferts Roost Country Club. Over the years she was an active golfer, skier, bridge player, bowler, and swimmer. She and her husband David enjoyed traveling in their retirement both throughout the United States and abroad. Diane was a devoted and loving, wife, mother, and grandmother. She is predeceased by her husband of 60 years, David W. O'Keeffe, M.D., and is survived by her adored three children; daughter – Lisa O'Keeffe Blue (and her husband John Tyler) of Bethesda, Maryland; David Paul O'Keeffe (and his wife Ann Proctor) of Hopkinton, New Hampshire; and Karen O'Keeffe Raidt (and her husband John Joseph) of Stamford, Connecticut. She is also survived by her eight cherished grandchildren: Sara Brooks (Brooke) and her fiancé Matthew DiCroce, John Tyler (Ty) and his wife Gavin Taylor, Thomas Campbell (Campbell) Blue; Colin Paine, Evan Proctor and Catherine Wakefield O'Keeffe; and, Patrick O'Keeffe and James McSweeney Raidt. Mrs. O'Keeffe is also survived by her brother, Nelson C. Bell and his wife Ann of Rockport, Maine, and a niece and several nephews. She adored her family life and enjoyed the accomplishments and activities of her children and grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian burial at 11am, Saturday morning, October 22, 2022 at Our Lady of Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham. The funeral mass will be celebrated by Diane's nephew The Reverend Geoffrey D. Burke. In keeping with Diane's wishes there will be no calling hours. Interment will be private. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, Latham, NY. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made in Diane's memory to The St. Peter's Hospital Foundation - 310 S. Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208 https://donate.givetostpeters.org/. For information, to leave a condolence message for the family, or order flowers please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.