Ernestine M. Keefe

Watertown – Mrs. Ernestine M. 'Ernie' Keefe, of Watertown, died on July 17, 2014 peacefully at her home surrounded by family. She was 71.

Ernie was born in Moncton, New Brunswick on August 1, 1942, a daughter of the late Ernest Richard and Elise (Maillet) Richard. She worked hard to provide for her family and before retirement had spent over twenty years working at Sun Life Canada in Wellesley.

She loved to travel, whether it was to Canada to visit with her family, day trips to Horseneck and Wingaersheek Beaches, winters in Florida or going abroad with her daughter Kristen and sister Claire. She enjoyed preparing meals for her family, dancing, time spent in the garden and most importantly being with her grandchildren. She was selfless, warm, caring and had unconditional love for all.

She leaves her children, David F. Keefe, III and his wife, Lilian, of Newton, Kristen Ferreira and her husband, James, of Belmont and Craig Keefe of Watertown; her grandchildren, Elise, Owen, Nolan, Andrew, Claire, Lucas and Luana; her former husband, retired Watertown Police Officer David F. Keefe, Jr.; her siblings, Roger Richard and his wife, Yvette, of Harwich, Claire Milligan of Wareham, Adrian Richard and his wife, Odette, of Waltham, Norman Richard and his wife, Patricia, of Tewksbury and Claude Richard and his wife, Caroline, of Billerica and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Ernie's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Monday July 21st from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning before leaving in procession to St. Joseph's Church, 130 Common St., Belmont where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Ridgelawn Cemetery, Watertown.

Memorial donations may be made to the Watertown Boys & Girls Club, 25 Whites Ave., Watertown, MA 02472 ( http://watertownbgc.org/donate/ ).