Carole O'Keefe

Carole Lois (Delory) O’Keefe, 84, of Middleton, formerly of Everett, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Tuesday, October 19th surrounded by her loving family.

Carole was born in Everett, MA on July 31, 1937, daughter of the late Perina and Alice (DeYeso) Delory, and resided in Everett, until relocating to Middleton 15 years ago.

After graduating from Everett High School in 1955, Carole pursued her dream of becoming a nurse, graduating from Whidden Memorial School of Nursing in 1957, and furthering her education by taking classes at Boston College School of Nursing. Early in her career, she shared her love of nursing by both teaching nursing students and caring for patients at the Whidden.

In 1961, Carole married the love of her life, Johnny O’Keefe. The couple settled in Everett, where they raised their three children, Kellie Ann, Ivy Alysse and John Joseph, Jr. They were active members of the community. While her children were young, Carole devoted her time as a homemaker and full time mom.

After raising her family, Carole returned to the nursing profession as an industrial nurse, and then she went on to high school and public health nursing for the City of Everett. The students at Everett High School became Carole’s extended family, and she treated every student like her own child.

Carole’s most precious times were spent with her family, particularly her four grandchildren whom she cherished. Her favorite pastime was cooking. She was always eager to try a new recipe, but she was famous for her meatballs which were enjoyed by all who had the pleasure of eating them. She loved to make Sunday dinner when the whole family would gather for her delicious pasta and meatballs.

Carole was predeceased by her devoted husband of 55 years, John J. O’Keefe Sr. She is survived by her adoring children Kellie Miller and her husband Walter, of Arthur, IL, Ivy Eidle and her husband Dave of Middleton, MA and John J. O’Keefe, Jr. and his wife Anne Marie of Chelsea, MA; cherished grandchildren David, Darcy and Dayna Eidle and Aubrey O’Keefe; loving brother Paul Delory and his wife Paula, caring sister-in-law Barbara O’Keefe, and many nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her sisters Mary Keller and Joan Delory.

Carole’s funeral will be held from the Salvatore Rocco and Sons Funeral Home, 331 Main Street, Everett, MA at 9:30 am on Monday, October 25th, followed by a funeral Mass at Saint Anthony’s Church, 38 Oakes Street, Everett MA at 10:30 am. Friends and relatives are invited to attend visiting hours at the Rocco Funeral Home on Sunday, October 24th from 2-6 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Carole’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 https://www.stjude.org/

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