Clara L. (Vara) O'Keefe, of Medford, died Wednesday at Bedford Hills Nursing Center. She was 89.
Clara was born in Boston, the daughter of the late Joseph and the late Emma (Rocci) Vara, she lived in Medford for most of her life. After completing nursing school she served in the Navy as a nurse during World War II. After the war she enjoyed a long career at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
The beloved wife of James G. O’Keefe, she was a devoted mother to Vareen O'Keefe-Domaleski and her husband John of Bedford, NH, Lynne O'Keefe-Alshech and her husband Aharon of Derry NH, Gerald O’Keefe and his wife Kimberly of Clifton, VA and the late James O’Keefe, Jr. She leaves her daughter-in-law Louisa O’Keefe of Pittsford, NY as well as eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was the sister of Michael Vara of Andover and the late Carmine and Gerald Vara.
Her funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Monday February 25th at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Raphael Church, 512 High Street, Medford, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may visit at the funeral home on Sunday from 4 – 8 PM. Interment will be private.