Penny O'Keefe Obituary

Saddened by this. But feel so fortunate to have had Penny as a long time friend. She was such an encouraging soul in my life. May her spirit rally on!

So sorry to hear about Penny passing away. I have known her since she worked at H+R Block in the 80's and then stayed with her at her "PennyPincher" home business. She will be missed. Our condolences to Bob and Family!!! Love, Dan and Geney Trollan

I am so fortunate to have had Penny in my life. From the moment our friendship started over 20 years ago she was a mentor to me. She taught me about health, wellness and fortitude. She was my cheerleader while I was raising two kids on my own and going to college. I now have a wonderful career and her emotional support was monumental. The cherished moments of our hikes and being with family at the cabin will never be forgotten. Penny was a gift to us all. Her wisdom and grace will carry on. She will forever live in my heart.

My Ooma was one of the most special people in my life. What I will always remember most about her is her loving generosity and her humble working drive. Yes, she loved reading, skiing and hiking - I will always treasure the memories of hiking to the top of 14er's with her in her 70's... but her character far outshined any of those achievements.

She had a heart for helping others - she gave from her finances and time and never asked for recognition for her generosity. She loved her tax clients, and although she was so tired during tax season in her later years, she still loved helping them. She never complained about the time it took - she just wanted to help the people whom she loved and cared for, even at her expense.

She helped my family in more ways than I can count. When life took a hard turn or we needed help with school or medical expenses, she was always there with a generous heart to help us. She helped others without strings attached. She gave what aid she could and never mentioned it again, simply caring for and loving others in a practical way when they needed help.

She was quick to remember my children's birthdays (as I know she did with all of our extended family members). Without fail, in the mail would come a thoughtful card with a dollar for each year of their age - it was always so special for the kids to receive. And when her birthday presents for the kids showed up - WOW! She somehow always found the perfect gift - better than I could have even thought up myself.

She shared her love of literature with me when I was young - she encouraged me to memorize Wynken, Blynken, and Nod, a poem by Eugene Field. I was too young to fully appreciate it, but I was still able to memorize the first few stanzas. Now, when homeschooling my children, I understand the value she instilled in me. Wynken, Blynken and Nod is still my favorite poem and she is at the front and center of my mind when I read it to my kids.

I talked to her on the phone every week for the past 12 years, since I went to college. I already miss our conversations and I will for the rest of my life. She always loved telling me about the new places she discovered to hike and about her beloved book club. I most of all will miss seeing her in person and spending time with her, reading or talking together. Ooma was one-of-a-kind. Thoughtful, generous, loving, and humble. She left the world a hole in her departure, but I pray that God will grant me to see her again among the angels after this life.

Penny was such a bright star who gave so much of herself! I always enjoyed seeing her and engaging in thoughtful conversations. She will be missed!

Bob,
Susie and I are so sorry to learn about Penny´s passing. We know how much the two of you enjoyed being together. Hopefully those memories will help you and your families through these tough times.

Bob, Jimmy, Tammy, Candace and Marty, I share your sorrow at the passing of a courageous and wonderful woman. She was a good friend to Jane and me many years ago in Glen Ridge. I remember the good times we all shared at the Carson family home in Cedar Grove and the times spent with Bill at the pool after the Webers left for Colorado. When Jane passed in 1992, Penny was a great comfort to me but our ten year age difference was too much for any lasting relationship. I am so happy that we both found wonderful partners for the last 30 years. We remained good friends and communicated yearly by Christmas card with a newsletter attached. I will miss hearing from her.

Bob and family. Penny was a remarkable person. I enjoyed our conversations. She was smart, thoughtful, caring, and funny. She made our Durango community better. I certainly will miss her.

My older sister and I shared our love for the outdoors by skiing and hiking together. Our parents read out loud to us as children. This instilled our lifelong pleasure in reading. We were in a book club, named TW Rahs (the thinking women´s reading and hiking society) for 31 years. When I moved to Durango in 1993 Penny said, "let´s climb everything you can see from your house". Unfortunately my house faces the La Platas! It took a while, but that sums up Penny. I miss my buddy.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

I was a late comer to the Lunch Bunch ladies. Penny was much more than that! She was kind, generous and a force to be reckoned with. Especially on the moguls skiing! It was a challenge to keep up with her.. She had the greatest smile I have ever had the pleasure to look at. Go in peace and love Penny.

I had the good fortune to meet Penny through my mother, who along with a group of her friends began getting together for lunch once a month. Little did I know at the time that I was to begin a friendship with a wonderful group of women that I would admire greatly. Penny was that and everything her family so elegantly wrote in her obituary. I am really going to miss her. I hope Bob and her family will find comfort in knowing their loss is shared by all who had the pleasure of having Penny in our lives. To Penny, the last original member of the Lunch Bunch, may you be reunited with loved ones. I hope you are hiking, skiing, paddling or bicycling with the wind in your hair and the songs of nature singing in your ears.

The Eileen Brown family of Electra, send our prayers of consolation to Penny O'Keefe's family and to Bob Harrington, her longtime companion. Penny was our neighbor at Electra Lake, along with Bob! She was a strong and serious in her time spent walking, climbing, riding her bike, and reading literature of every kind! She will be missed by the Electra Community and the neighbors she loved and helped along the way. A true treasure of a trooper with a
keen mind, and courageous and generous of heart. What a love!

So very sorry to hear this. Penny prepared our taxes for 30 years. She was a wonderful lady. Our sincere condolences to Bob and the rest of Penny´s family.

Bob, I am so sorry , my deepest condolences to you and Penny´s family . I hope the wonderful life you shared together and beautiful memories will comfort you at this time . Penny was a very good person , I will miss her