Memorials
Sister Rosamond O’Keefe, CSJ
Sacred Heart Chapel is the setting of many important moments in the life of our beloved Sister Rosamond O’Keefe, whose life we have come together to celebrate. We had hoped to honor Rosamond for 75 years as a Sister of St. Joseph this coming September, but she will be celebrating her jubilee in heaven with rejoicing beyond our imagination!
In a special way I welcome Rosamond’s nieces, Mary, Moira, and Deirdre. You have loved Aunt Margaret all your lives, and you have been very caring and attentive these past years. I cannot tell you how proud she was of all of you! We heard about all of your accomplishments and successes…and an occasional exploit too! As I look at you I cannot help but feel the presence of your mother and your aunt, Eileen and Bernadette, because they were a closeknit trio who loved and supported each other as only sisters can do.
Margaret Mary O’Keefe was the oldest daughter of Edward and Genevieve Dawson O’Keefe, both of whom came from Newfoundland…and that is how you are to say it… Rosamond taught me how to say it properly! She was soon joined by Eileen and Bernadette, and the three girls grew up in a warm, loving family in St. Vincent Ferrer parish in Brooklyn. Margaret began to think about religious life while she was a Sophomore at Bishop McDonnell High School and, shortly after graduation, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph. In her application to the Congregation she stated that her reason for entering was to save the souls of those whom she would teach, and she began that mission at Immaculate Heart of Mary School, and continued it at a number of other parish schools, including St. Francis of Assisi, Ascension, Holy Family, and St. Robert Bellarmine…working her way up from the 3rd grade to the 8th! During those years she was pursuing her Bachelor’s degree at St. John’s University, followed by a Master’s in Psychology and Certification in School Psychology., preparing for her next mission…teaching at St. Joseph’s College.
Soon after she joined the faculty of St. Joseph’s College, Rosamond’s excellence as a teacher was recognized and she quickly became Chair of the Psychology Department at both the Brooklyn and Patchogue campuses. Rosamond was among the intrepid group of pioneer faculty who travelled back and forth to Patchogue several times a week, thus creating and giving life to that new, bold endeavor. Without them, the Patchogue campus would not exist today.
Rosamond taught a wide range of courses and was known as a challenging but kind teacher. She modeled excellence by being a life-long learner, always reading, reading, reading and attending conferences to keep up to date in her ever-changing discipline. Her impact on her students and colleagues was expressed by many postings on Facebook…let me share just a few: “She was one of the best teachers I had at the College.” “She was my favorite teacher.” “I loved Psychology because of her.” “A wonderful and dedicated professor and colleague for many years.” “She was kind, compassionate and a superb teacher.” And perhaps the most eloquent of all “She was a beautiful soul.”
Sister Rosamond O’Keefe lived a full, rich and generous life, and we were privileged to share it with her. The faith that she first experienced in her family home supported her through the years, especially in recent ones as she had some struggles with health. She was ever gracious and warm and she touched the lives of thousands of people.
Rosamond will be missed by her many friends, and in a special way by her family, to whom she was very close. Her niece Dierdre will now share some memories of Aunt Margaret.
Sister Rosamond O’Keefe died on August 23, 2024 in the 75th year of her religious life.