HOLDEN-Rita M. (Kilgore) O’Keefe, 86, formerly of Leicester died Tuesday, January 21st in Holden Nursing Home. Her husband, Francis M. O’Keefe died in 1986. She leaves a son, Paul F. O’Keefe of Holden; a brother, Charles Kilgore of Northboro; a sister, Mabel Barnicle of Worcester; 4 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; many nephews and nieces. A daughter, Kathryn “Kelle” R. O’Keefe and a brother Martin Kelley predeceased her.
She was born in Worcester the daughter of Lester H. and Catherine A. (Foudy) Kilgore and moved to Leicester in 1950 after she was married. She graduated from Commerce High School. Mrs. O’Keefe worked at the American Auto Association as a travel counselor for 15 years, retiring in 1978. She was a founding member of St. Pius X Church where she was a choir member and soloist. She was a guest soloist at many area churches. She sang in the Worcester Festival Chorus and was a member of the Melodiers, a woman’s choral group in Worcester and the AARP. She was a founding member of the Worcester County Chapter of the North American Family Campers Association. She crocheted hats for many years and donated them to many charities. She was known as the “hat lady”.
The funeral will be Saturday, January 25th from O’Connor Brothers Funeral Home, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester with a Mass at 10:00 AM in St. Pius X Church, 1154 Main Street, Leicester. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester. Calling hours are Friday, January 24th from 5:00 until 8:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Pius X Church, Building Fund, 1154 Main Street, Leicester, Massachusetts, 01524.