Dorothy Clark Keefe: October 1, 1934 – November 20, 2021

Dorothy Keefe obit picture 2

Dorothy Clark Keefe passed away November 20, 2021, at the age of 87.

She was born in Coupeville, Wash. on October 1, 1934, to her parents, Tommy and Blanche Clark.

She graduated from Coupeville High School in 1953. After graduation, she worked for West Coast Telephone Company as a Telephone Operator in Oak Harbor, Mt. Vernon, and Everett, Wash. Dorothy married Tommy Keefe on June 12, 1955, at the Coupeville Rec Hall and two years later they built their forever home in Coupeville.

In the 60’s she was a telephone operator and worked in the business office at South Whidbey Telephone. It was in the mid 60’s when she decided to follow her calling and become a nurse. She attended Skagit Valley College and graduated with an LPN nursing license.

Dorothy began her career at United General Hospital in Sedro Wooley, then worked at Whidbey General Hospital from its beginning in 1970, until her retirement in 1992. Most of those years were spent working in the delivery room and nursery with the newborns.

During retirement, she volunteered to work on the Coupeville Parks and Rec Commission where she helped make improvements to the Rec Hall, obtained equipment for the Coupeville Town Park playground, and painted several town snowmen for Christmas just to name a few.

Dorothy was the foundation of her family. As a young adult and throughout her life she was the glue to bring her family and friends together for so many parties in her home extending invites to the many relatives near and far. She will be remembered for her love of babies, her help and love for family and friends and her community. She LOVED Coupeville.

Dorothy is survived by her four children: Rick O’Keefe of Skagit County, Randy O’Keefe of Freeland, Ryan O’Keefe of Coupeville, and Renae Mulholland (Robert “Moose” ) of Coupeville; six grandchildren: Kramer (Morgan), Austin, Kendra (Nick), Courtney (Beni), Gavin (Lucy) and Abby; four great-grandchildren: Oliver, Annorah, Dallan and Ryley; one brother, Pat Clark (Jan) of Langley; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her husband, Tom Keefe; her brother, Jim Clark; and her sister, Kathleen “Katy” Clark Faris.

A graveside service will be held at Sunnyside Cemetery on Tuesday, November 30, at 11am. Immediately following the graveside, a reception will be held at the Coupeville Rec Hall.