Kathleen F. (O'Keefe) Ireland

Wynantskill-Kathleen F. Ireland passed away on January 30, 2021. She was born in Jersey City, NJ to Clara and Edward O’Keefe in 1936. In addition to growing up with her brother Edward Jr, she was surrounded by many cousins, including Audrey, of whom she was especially fond. She graduated from Ridgewood High School and attended William Paterson College. Kathy met her husband Bruce at a candy shop in Ridgewood. The couple married in 1956 and the Ireland family grew to include daughters, Laura and Diane, and son, Daniel along with several dogs and cats. The family settled in Pequannock, NJ in 1966. A homemaker for many years, she enjoyed baking and interior decoration. She enthusiastically supported her children’s activities while she herself participated in volleyball and softball leagues.
She was promoted to “Granny K” on the birth of her beloved grandchildren, Kelsey Lauren and Thomas Ryan (“TJ”).  She worked a variety of jobs including as a transport aide at Chilton Memorial Hospital, and for 18 years at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), from where she retired in 2003.  In 2017, Mrs. Ireland moved to Wynantskill, NY to be near her son. She enjoyed getting to know Dan’s girlfriend Clare’s family. She was an avid reader and liked current events, watching baseball, puzzle books, and catalogue shopping.  She told wonderful stories displaying a great sense of humor and especially liked remembering times with her children.
Mrs. Ireland is survived by her daughter, Diane Jackson (Thomas) of Conway, SC, her son Dan Ireland (Clare) of Wynantskill, NY, son-in-law John Figueiredo of Dumont, NJ, her granddaughter Kelsey Jackson of Los Angeles, CA, and her life-long friend Lucy Barrieres, as well as extended members of the O’Keefe and Ireland families. She will be welcomed into heaven by her parents, brother, husband of 52 years, Bruce (2008), daughter Laura (2020), grandson TJ (2018) and special uncle Fr. Vincent O’Keefe, SJ (2012). Those wishing to remember Kathleen in a special way may contribute to their local humane society or community hospice. A private service will take place at the BG William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ. Arrangements by Wynantskill Funeral Home. Please visit www.wynantskillfh.com

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