Maureen Theresa O'Keefe

Trumbull, CT – Maureen Theresa O’Keefe, née Corcoran, 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at home surrounded by her loving family.

Maureen was proudly born into the Cedar Hill neighborhood of New Haven, the secondborn of County Kerry emigrants Mary and Timothy Corcoran. Her childhood teemed with adventure, and her grandchildren were endlessly delighted by tales ‘from the good old days’. The qualities of care and responsibility were truly epitomized by Maureen; these traits led to childminding positions throughout her teens that ultimately informed her pursuit of nursing. Her legendary capacity for considering others was such that nobody questioned her yearbook claim to be captain of the Wilbur Cross High School swim team (despite the fact she never learned how to swim, nor signed up for the team!).

Fortunately, innate talent and academic excellence came together as Maureen graduated from the nursing program at The Hospital of Saint Raphael's, and she continued in positions there and later at St. Joseph’s Manor. These endeavors were supported by the great love of her life, her husband, Robert.

Their devoted marriage was enriched by three children, nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, a thriving business and a family foundation to further their philanthropic spirit. Maureen and Bob were passionate supporters of  Catholic- and Irish-interested causes and significantly involved with the Catholic school communities and Irish Clubs around Connecticut.  

Maureen was intrinsic to the success of O’Keefe Controls Co. as she managed to make two days out of one, volleying between full-time roles at both St. Joseph’s Manor and the newly-founded company whilst also looking after multiple generations at home (and a few bonus neighborhood children!).

She was recognized by St. Joseph High School in 2002 with the Sister Catherine Fanning Privilege and Responsibility Award for Community and in 2009 by the Archdiocese of Hartford with the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award. She was also inducted into The Order of Knights of The Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem by New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in 2010.

Whilst grateful for the awards granted and scholarships funded, Maureen will be better remembered by the feelings of love, joy, warmth and steadfast support that she imparted upon all who knew her. For nearly a century Maureen was the heartbeat and guiding light of both a happy, healthy clan and a successful corporation; her impact cannot be understated. She made us laugh, she wiped away our tears, she was always, always there.

Maureen lived as a constant and stalwart beacon of her Catholic faith. Her family is immensely comforted to know she has happily rejoined Robert, Mary, Timothy, brother Eddie and our Creator. We are also incredibly grateful to her caretakers, Hanna and Jennifer, who provided such warmth and comfort in her final years. Maureen’s legacy includes daughter Mary (née O’Keefe) Butala, her husband John and their children Caitlin (Alex), Timothy (Amanda) and Noreen (Jim); her son Patrick O’Keefe, his wife Karen (née Occhipinti) and their children Katherine, Sean (Amy), Kristin (Ian) and Robert (Emma); her son Joseph O’Keefe, his wife Wendy (née Campbell) and their children Jeremiah and Loretta; and countless other family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Maureen’s memory may be made to School Sisters of Notre Dame (Development Office, 345 Belden Hill Rd., Wilton, CT 06897). 

Friends are invited to bid farewell to Maureen Wednesday, December 17 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Cyril F. Mullins Funeral Home located at 399 White Plains Rd. in Trumbull, and to attend her funeral service on Thursday, December 18 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Stephen R.C. Church, 6948 Main St. in Trumbull.  Interment will follow at Mount Saint Peter Catholic Cemetery, 219 New Haven Ave in Derby.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maureen Theresa O'Keefe, please visit our floral store.