Barbara L. Keefe

Born on March 8, 1938, in Jamestown, she was the daughter of the late Vernon W. and Lucile C. Anderson Burmeister. A proud lifelong resident of Jamestown, Barbara graduated from Jamestown High School in 1956 and remained deeply devoted to her hometown throughout her life.

Barbara’s first job was in the auditing department at Sears, where she met the love of her life, her future husband, Alan Sam Keefe. The two were married on October 18, 1958, at First Lutheran Church of Jamestown, with the Rev. Dr. Paul A. Westerberg officiating. They shared 56 loving years of marriage until Alan’s passing on August 27, 2014. Their devotion to one another was evident in the renewal of their vows on their 25th, 40th, and 50th wedding anniversaries.

In her earlier years, Barbara was employed by Quality Markets as a demonstration hostess. She was a proud and lifelong member of First Lutheran Church, where she was confirmed, married, and faithfully served her congregation for over eighty years. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and served on the worship and music committee, altar society, Ladies’ Aide, and Lutheran Church Women.

When her children were young, Barbara served as a room mother and was active with Persell PTS, the New York State PTA, and the Jamestown High School Music Boosters. She also served her community as an election inspector and volunteered at Jamestown General Hospital and WCA Hospital.

Barbara found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She cherished her friends from First Lutheran Church, too many to name here. She loved cooking and baking, especially when entertaining family and friends during the holidays. She cherished spending time with her grandchildren, particularly during the holidays, but especially at Christmas, when she delighted in driving around to see the holiday lights. She enjoyed watching classic black-and-white films, cheering on the Buffalo Bills–always hoping she would see them win the Super Bowl–and fondly remembered attending a Neil Diamond concert with her husband, one of her most treasured memories. And if you were a friend or relative of Barb’s, you were sure to get a greeting card in the mail for every holiday, birthday, or special occasion. She loved to brighten people’s day with a simple greeting card.

She enjoyed gathering with her circle of friends and cousins for lunches and dinners, reminiscing about their younger days. She loved stopping for Tim Hortons and eating ice cream near the old Celoron Park, where she had played as a young girl. A devoted reader of The Post-Journal, Barbara especially loved spotting her grandchildren’s names in print for their achievements in soccer, basketball, football, academics, and community service.

The true pride and joy of Barbara’s life were her three grandchildren. She loved them deeply and never missed an opportunity to share stories of their accomplishments. They were her greatest blessing, and she was endlessly proud of each of them. She took the most pride when they attended holiday services with her at church.

She is survived by her two children, Daniel (Helen) Keefe of Panama, NY, and Diane Russo of Jamestown; her beloved grandchildren, Dylan Keefe of Buffalo, NY; Kelly Keefe of Buffalo, NY; and Brandon Keefe of Panama, NY; and several cousins, including Elaine VanStee, Onnolee Freay, David Anderson, Karen Swanson, and Dawn Johnson.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her in-laws, David and Ruth Lawson Keefe; an infant brother, Robert Burmeister; and a brother, Paul McDonald.

Barbara will be remembered for her unwavering faith and the deep love she held for her children and grandchildren. Barbara was also very thankful for the support and friendships she had with Carrie Costlow, Judy Rhodes, and June Stoddard, all of whom were always there for her.

A memorial service will be held at First Lutheran Church on Monday, March 2nd at 10 a.m. Friends will be received in the parlors of the church following the service. Inurnment will be in Lake View Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church. You may leave condolences at www.lindfuneralhome.com.