Virginia Helen (Thoennes} O’Keeffe passed away June 23 2022 at the age of 95. Virginia was born July 8 1926 in Long Prairie, Minnesota to Valentine and Leona Thoennes. She was the eldest of 6 children. In 1943 her family relocated to Portland Oregon so her father could find work. Here she finished out her high school years and upon graduation attended Nursing School. Virginia graduated from United States Cadet Corps Nursing School as a Registered Nurse on July 3 1947. She would spend the next 40 plus years caring for others, including time spent as an OR nurse and Head nurse at the East Wenatchee Highline Convalescent Home.

However, this is only part of her story. In 1949 she had met Patrick O’Keeffe who was bowled over by her beauty, she in turn was captivated by his Irish charm and twinkling eye. They married April 22 1950 and began a life together that would span over 50 years, bringing them 7 children, 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 2 great- great grandchildren.

In the early years of their marriage Virginia and Patrick led a life of adventure which included camp life as Patrick had begun a business with his youngest brother Con, piping slash after logging operations. Virginia worked alongside him as a cook for the camp. Later they moved back to Portland where they ran a Bait and Tackle shop. Shortly after their marriage Patrick’s father Cornelius joined them where Virginia loving cared for him. The next 20 years were spent in Oregon where their children were born. In 1966  they moved to East Wenatchee where Virginia began working in 1970 as a Nurse at Highline Convalescent Home, later becoming the Head Nurse- She continued there until 1990.

Her family fondly remembers her support of their many activities, focus on education and relationship with God and her deep enjoyment and support of her grandchildren. Also remembered are the many hours she spent tending her beautiful rose garden and time spent making her special Christmas cookies, candies and cinnamon rolls. While she was considered a quiet and private person, she had a very giving heart and would graciously open her home in order to offer dinner parties and opportunities to gather together. As her grandchildren grew, she took great delight in being part of their life and spending as much time with them as she could.

Shortly after their 50th wedding celebration Pat and Virginia sold their home and moved to Spokane where they had an opportunity to live closer to some of their children. After Patrick’s death, Virginia made multiple moves with her daughter Jean, finally ending back in Wenatchee Washington where she spent her last years at Avamere at Wenatchee Senior Living Center and The Maple Lodge Family Home before her death.

Virginia is survived by one sister, Mary Ann Crow, her children Terri Bakse, James O’Keeffe (Cindy), Jean O’Keeffe-Dykes (Lonnie), Neil O’Keeffe (Debbie), Nancy O’Keeffe and Eileen Long(Mitchell), Daughter-in-law Ann O’Keeffe (Thomas) and 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 2 great- great grandchildren.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Leona and Valentine Thoennes, beloved Husband Patrick ( 2004), Beloved son-in law William E. Bakse, Jr. (2009) and eldest son Thomas (2021)

The family would like to thank the care staff, especially Kelli Cook and Blanca, for the excellent care and love they shared with Virginia before her passing.

Virginia will be deeply missed; her legacy and memory will be forever etched in her family’s heart.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Virginia’s honor.

A Rosary will be held July 7, 2022 at 7p.m at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 625 S. Elliott Ave., Wenatchee, WA

Funeral Mass will be held July 8, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church

Internment will follow the funeral mass at Wenatchee City Cemetery

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