It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Noreen Elizabeth O’Keefe, who left us on July 30, 2024 at age 73. Noreen was born to Catherine Schwalm and James Charles O’Keefe and grew up in the suburbs of Toronto with her three siblings. Noreen dedicated her life to the protection and wellbeing of children and moved to Prince George, BC in 1975 to begin working for the Ministry of Child and Family Services. She met her husband Scott at the Prince George Crisis Intervention Society and gave birth to daughter Claire in 1988. After receiving her Bachelor of Social Work and, while she worked, continued her studies and graduated from UNBC in 2003 with a Masters in Social Work.
Noreen spent over 25 years as a social worker. After Prince George, the Ministry transferred her to Vancouver Island. Post retirement, Noreen found a new passion and way to help others by becoming a licensed Hypnotherapist in 2013. She enjoyed the pursuit of learning thoroughly and was an avid reader and prolific writer. Survived by her daughter Claire, son in law Cameron, ex-husband Scott, sister Trudy and brother Michael, Noreen had a profound impact on her loved ones and will be forever missed.
A service for Noreen was held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 2:00 pm, in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria.
To view a recording of the service, please click the video below:
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Brian Seabourn
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Robert Rail To Claire, family and close friends, my condolences to all. Claire, I knew your Mom from Prince George days and continued to do some work with her after she left PG. I have many fond memories of your Mom. I was just talking with someone the other day about the Thanksgiving get togethers and the happy times they were in sharing food, stories and music.
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Annette Harding Noreen was my dear friend for over 30 years. She was so kind and welcoming when I first moved to Prince George in 1993 from the Northwest Territories. Noreen didn’t hesitate to share her home, along with Scott & Claire. Helping me find a home to rent and settle my sons into their new community.
Over the years we had many adventures together with our children and Noreen was always up for some fun and a challenge.
A passionate social worker who cared deeply about social issues and rooted for the most vulnerable, striving to lift others up.
Noreen always rocked with her hairbands and her smile and laughter will never be forgotten.
It was such a shock to lose Noreen so suddenly but I like to think of her running again free of pain & discomfort just how I remember her when we first met. Fly high dear friend. Sorry I can’t join you in person but so glad to still take part by the live stream
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Jane Cowell Noreen was a very dear friend from early Prince George days . She was so welcoming to me , very early in my career. She and Scott invited me to live in the big house with them and Greg.
Noreen was one of most generous and giving people I know. Noreen was always willing to help. She devoted her whole career to making the lives of children better. She was also a wonderful friend to all who had that pleasure.
Her gem was Claire . She loved her to bits and the feeling is mutual . Claire was so important in the last couple of years as Noreen’s health was declining . Claire was always there for Nor.
Noreen was ever the optimist, I loved that about her and everything else.
Goodbye dear friend,
Jane Cowell
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Greg Beattie We were shocked and saddened at Noreen’s sudden passing. As a dear friend in our early days in Prince George we spent many a happy time together. Greg, Noreen, Scott and Jane were room mates for a time as well. Noreen was a caring and compassionate person who gave of herself willingly to help others and make our communities better and safer places to live. She will be greatly missed by us all. Jo and I unfortunately cannot make the service in person as we are organizing a music festival on that day. But we will attend via Live Stream (thank you for this option).
We were all so fortunate to grow up on Evelyn Cres and Noreen and the O’keefe family terrific neighbours. Noreen was a wonderful person, well respected and now sadly missed.