Obituaries
Obituary: Laverne Mary O’Keefe
Devoted to family, faith, and community throughout a long and meaningful life
Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
Laverne Mary O’Keefe
(nee Pechousek)
Laverne Mary O’Keefe, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Alden Estates of Shorewood, at the age of 92. Laverne was born on August 9, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, and throughout her long life remained devoted to her family, her faith, and her community.
A graduate of Jones Commercial High School, Laverne used her education and skills to serve as a long-time secretary to the principal at Queen of Peace High School. Her dedication and professionalism made her a trusted presence in the school community, where she was actively involved and formed many lasting connections.
Laverne was a long-time, active parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church, where her faith guided her daily life and her relationships with others. She carried that same spirit of care and warmth into every setting, especially during her later years at Alden of Shorewood, where she remained socially active and formed many friendships.
Laverne is survived by her children, Kathleen (John) Polizzi, Patrick (Carla) O’Keefe, Judith (Jeff) Johnson, and Cynthia (Robert) Bermingham; 12 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Robert O’Keefe; her son, Robert O'Keefe Jr.; her parents; her brother, Robert Pechousek; her step-sister, Theresa Latronica; and her step-brother, Eugene Jarecki.
Funeral Services will be held at 9:15 a.m., on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, to Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 Brook Forest Ave., Shorewood, where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL. Visitation will be held at the funeral home chapel on Monday, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a eulogy and prayers at 6:45 p.m.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence
