Bethlehem-

Martha Lena (Buzaid) O'Keefe, born on New Year's Day, 1930, in Danbury, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 24, 2024, at her home in Bethlehem. The only child of Ernest and Lena Martha (Assard) Buzaid, Martha was the first grandchild of William and Lillian (Farris) Buzaid of Danbury and Shaker and Mary (Slaiby) Assard of Bethlehem. Tragedy struck early in Martha's life when her father passed away in 1931, leaving a lasting impact on her young life. Despite this hardship, she lived a life filled with love, resilience, and compassion.

Raised by her mother, maternal grandparents, and loving aunts and uncles, Martha spent her formative years on the Assard Farm in Bethlehem and with her aunt and uncle, Helen and Lyle Carlson in Watertown. She cherished her childhood, filled with countless happy memories of her extended family and the idyllic Bethlehem countryside. A talented athlete, she excelled in basketball during her time at Bethlehem and Washington public schools. She also developed a love for music, particularly the piano.

Martha graduated in 1951 from the Saint Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Hartford. She was more than just a nurse; she was a beacon of hope, a pillar of strength, known for her compassionate and dignified care of patients. Her patients adored her for her gentle touch and warm smile. It was during her time at St. Francis that she met the love of her life, John Gerald "Jerry" O'Keefe, while caring for his father.

Martha and Jerry married in 1952 and raised nine children in Wethersfield. As a mother, Martha was extraordinary. She made motherhood look easy. Always present and supportive, she effortlessly balanced the demands of motherhood with grace and love.  Faith, family, and community were central to her life.

Martha's love for the ocean and the beach was a lifelong passion. She cherished vacations and holidays spent by the sea. As her children grew older, she returned to nursing, working in local convalescent homes and providing private care. Her dedication to her profession was inspiring, and she was proud to see her daughters and granddaughters follow in her footsteps.

Tragedy struck again when she lost her beloved oldest son and two grandsons. Despite this immense grief, she and Jerry persevered. In 1994, they built a new home on Woodcreek Road in Bethlehem.

A talented knitter, and an amazing cook, Martha generously shared her creations with family and friends. For many years, she participated in the Bethlehem Fair, showcasing her knitting and cooking skills. She loved cheering on the UConn Women's Basketball team and birdwatching in her neighborhood. She was a devout woman who found solace in prayer and service.

After the loss of her husband of seventy years, Martha found comfort in the company of her son Kevin and the loving care of her daughter Katherine. She passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and strength. Martha's impact on the lives of those who knew her will be felt for generations to come.

She leaves behind her children:  Patricia (Robert) Dwyer of Wayne, PA, Katherine (Dr Jeffrey) Thomsen of Rocky Hill,  Thomas (Jeryl) O'Keefe of Glastonbury, Kevin O'Keefe of Bethlehem and Duxbury, MA, John (Mary-Beth) O'Keefe of Rutherfordton, NC, Mary (Robert) Perrotti of Middletown, Genevieve (James) DeFelice of San Antonio, TX, Paul O'Keefe of Glastonbury, and her beloved daughter-in-law Victoria (Kemp) O'Keefe of Marlborough.

She was much loved and will be sorely missed by her grandchildren:  Courtney (Michael) Beeker of East Whiteland, PA,  Robert (Ashley) Dwyer of Brambleton, VA, Michael Dwyer and his fiancee Elena Voonasis of Brooklyn, NY, Shelley O'Keefe of Marlborough,  Nathan (Melissa) Thomsen of Warwick, RI, Laura (Michael) Morello of Middletown, Kevin (Baille) Thomsen of Mabank, TX, Dr. Lena (Michael) Mi  of Boston, MA, Shannon (Tom) Legere of Vernon, Kimberly (Min) Yoon of Vernon, Shaylyn O'Keefe, of Duxbury, MA, Niall O'Keefe of Duxbury, MA, Joshua (Ana) O'Keefe of Rutherfordton, NC, Dr. Carolyn (William) Lake of Auburn, CA, Elizabeth (Captain Andy) Barrett of Southington, Staff Sergeant Anthony (Shelby) Perrotti of Coeur d'Alene, ID, Captains Catherine (Geoffrey) Viray of Las Vegas, NV, Staff Sergeant Frank Perrotti of Ellington, CT, Jamie-Marie DeFelice of Philadelphia, PA, Adam DeFelice and his fiancé Christy Trevino of San Antonio, TX, Shane O'Keefe of Glastonbury, CT, Jacqueline O'Keefe of Hoboken, NJ, Natalie O'Keefe of Glastonbury, CT;   and her great grandchildren, Avery and Addison Beeker; Andrew, William and Lena Dwyer; Charlotte and Marguerite Thomsen; Mia and Luke Morello; Baerren and Brextten Thomsen; Alexander Soon; Paisley O'Keefe; Lucca Perrotti;  Clark and Benjamin Viray.

She is also survived by her nephews Attorney Mathew O'Keefe of Old Saybrook, Michael (Janet) O'Keefe of Tolland, Attorney Peter (Gloria) O'Keefe of Wethersfield, CT as well as her dearly loved cousins.

In addition to her parents, her husband, her son Timothy J O'Keefe, her grandsons, Sean K O'Keefe and David P O'Keefe, Martha was predeceased by her step father, Paul R Knibloe, her in-laws John G and Genevieve O'Keefe, Sr, her niece Ann (O'Keefe) Ford,  her beloved aunts and uncles, her brothers-in-law and sisters-in- law and many dearly loved cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her visitation on Saturday November 30, 2024 from 9:30-10:30 am at Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home located 2 School St. Woodbury. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 34 Green Hill Rd Washington, CT. Interment to follow at St. John Cemetery in Middletown, CT.

To leave an online condolence please visit munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.