Kaye O'Keefe

Kaye Alston Bruggeman 0’Keefe, of Savannah, Georgia, died on January 4, 2023 at Harmony of Savannah. Kaye was born on October 8, 1940 in Savannah, Georgia to Mary Williams and James Bruggeman. Kaye attended St. Vincent’s Academy for high school where she was a member of the basketball team and she attended St. Josephs School of Nursing.

Kaye was set up on a blind date by friends with Herb O’Keefe and they fell in love and were married on March 16, 1969 in Savannah. Kaye was a beloved mother to 3 children Sean, Kevin and Kathleen she had while in Savannah. In 1979, they moved to Statesboro, Georgia where they raised their family. Kaye held several nursing jobs while in Statesboro including at the hospital, at Willingway and at the Bulloch County Health Department. Kaye was an active member of St. Matthews Catholic Church and she participated in a monthly bridge group with close friends. In 1999, Kaye and Herb moved to Colonel’s Island, Ga to live their dream on the river. Kaye enjoyed the peaceful life and beautiful sunsets there but her heart brought her back to Savannah to be closer to dear family and friends.

She is survived by her devoted husband Herb, her husband of 53 years; three children Sean O’Keefe (Melissa) of Grayson, GA, Kevin O’Keefe (Jennifer), Dunwoody, GA, Kathleen Giesbrecht (Travis) an adored brother, Billy Bruggeman and 2 adored sisters Julianne Smith and Ellen Bruce; sister and brother-in-law Harriette and Louis Waldhour, and six grandchildren Conor, Mia, Bowen, Barrett, Colin and Blake; and Ruthie Kosciuk, a loving family friend and caregiver. She was predeceased by her parents, Mary and James Bruggeman of Savannah. Kaye was a huge animal lover and was predeceased by her beloved animals Kasey, Freckles, Bootsie and Tiger.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 1:30 at Bonaventure Cemetery presided by Father Joe Smith. A reception will follow immediately at St. James Catholic Church narthex, 8412 Whitfield Avenue. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Vincent’s Academy or the Greater Savannah Humane Society.

Carter Funeral Home Oglethorpe Chapel is handling the arrangements. To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.carteroglethorpe.com.