Mary I. O' Keefe

Mary Irene (nee Nosarzewski) O'Keefe, 90, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 10, 2015. Mary was born December 15, 1924 in Chicago, IL to the late Joseph and Irene Nosarzewski. From an early age, Mary was surrounded with music and acting. She and her family would gather to sing and put on plays. We were lucky recently to hear a recording made by them in the 1930's with all of them singing! In her later years, she performed with "Canterbury Players" in Chicago, where she acted with the likes of Tom Bosley, later known for his role as the father on Happy Days. After college, Mom ventured out independently in the 1940's by bus to New York City. She recorded children's records, and acted summer stock in Maine while she lived there. Mary met Donald O'Keefe at Illinois College of Optometry, where she worked as the Dean's secretary when she returned to Chicago. They married in Chicago on June 25, 1955. Mary and Don moved to Wausau that fall when Don established his Optometric practice. Mom was Dad's secretary/receptionist. They worked together every day for 45 years! Following retirement, they enjoyed a quiet life until Dad passed in 2012. Mary continued her love of theater and music here in Wausau by helping bring Wausau Community Theater to existence. Whether it be acting or directing, Mom was a feature for many years on and off the stage. She was instrumental also in starting Wausau Children's Theater. She performed with Agape Theater for many years as well. She also was involved with St. James Church (now Resurrection) in many aspects. Ecumenical, Sunday School teaching, and the choir. She was a long standing member of the Lionesses, Elks Club, and many other service organizations. Mom loved to try new things, and age didn't stop her! Trying belly dancing, and her first flying lesson at 70. Climbing caves at 80. She had an adventurous spirit. Mary is survived by her five children and her ten grandchildren: Elizabeth (Phillip) Kraay, Wausau, and their son, Matthew Froom; Joseph (Judy), Wausau, and their children, David and Anna; Patricia (Jamie) Shuey, Lakeside, AZ, and their children, Megan and Jessica: Maria O'Keefe, Wausau; Christopher (Stephanie), his children Natalie, Conor, Kathryn, and stepsons Nate and Zach. Niece, Claudia George, Levenworth, IN, and nephew, David Clark, Longmont, CO. She was preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Clark. A Memorial visitation will be held at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home -1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, WI on Sunday, August 23, 2015, from 1 pm until 3 pm at which time a prayer service will be conducted. A special thanks to all of you who cared for Mom the last few years from Visiting Angels, and Interim Healthcare. Special thanks to Faith, Judy, and Diane. Your special touches have been appreciated by the entire family. "Mom - our angel in disguise...you blessed us with your grace, beautiful smile, kindness, support, understanding, and unconditional love! We truly had the best parents children could ever hope for in life. The 'Great Stage' welcomes you...you will now sing with the angels! Once again you can serenade Dad with "Wunderbar" from Kiss Me, Kate as you did on your wedding day, and bring tears to each other's eyes with "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" and "Mary in the Morning" .