SAUQUOIT/ILION – Miss Joan M. O’Keefe, age 56, of Paris Hill Road, Sauquoit, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 21, 2016, in the Emergency Room of Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. At the time of her passing, she had the love and care of her devoted sister in her heart. Born on October 18, 1960, in San Antonio, Texas, Joan was the daughter of the late Arthur Joseph O’Keefe and Marilyn (Thomes) O’Keefe. Joan graduated from Utica Free Academy and went on to obtain two Associate’s Degrees from Mohawk Valley Community College. She furthered her education at SUNY IT, where she earned two Bachelor’s Degrees: one in Business Management and another in Computer Information Systems. In the early years of her career, Joan worked at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, as well as at the Masonic Care Community of CNY. Most recently, she has been employed as an Account Clerk in the Information Technology Division of Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES in Utica. She had very good relationships with her colleagues and was well-respected within her workplace. An honest, hardworking, responsible woman, with a kind and charitable heart, Joan enjoyed giving back to her community. She was an active member and Past President of the Sauquoit Rotary Club and member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Sauquoit. As an artist, Joan’s patient hand and sharp mind were evident through her crocheting and drawing. She had a constant thirst for knowledge and was an avid history buff. She was especially interested in researching her family tree and shared this enthusiasm with her cousin, Charlie Brownrigg. Surviving family members include her beloved sister, Janet O’Keefe, with whom she shared a home and very close relationship. She also leaves her two half-siblings, Joyce and Gregory; two uncles, Samuel Chapin and Michael O’Keefe; along with several cousins. She was predeceased by her parents; her aunts, Marlene, Marceline, Marjorie and Nina; and her uncles, Frank Thomes, Jr., and Paul Thomes. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 27, 2016, from 1:00 PM-3:00 PM at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home’s original location at 102 West Street, Ilion, NY, 315-895-7722. Joan’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 3:00 PM at the funeral home, immediately upon the conclusion of calling hours, with Elder Kenneth W. Palmer, of the Mohawk Reformed Church, officiating. Interment will take place in Mohawk Cemetery Annex at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, in honor of Joan’s love for animals, memorial contributions may be made to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society, 5664 Horatio St., Utica, NY 13502 or to the Herkimer County Humane Society, 514 State Route 5s, Mohawk, NY 13407. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Joan, or add to her online memorial, may visit www.applegateandday.com. Janet O’Keefe has entrusted her sister’s service arrangements and supervision to their Family Funeral Director, Don Applegate.