Monique (Monica) Marie Esther O'Keeffe (née Roy)

Monique (Monica) O’KEEFFE (nee ROY) passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025 in Surrey BC, at the age of 85 surrounded by her children. Predeceased by her parents Leopold and Pascaline, husband Walter, siblings (Jeanne, Theresa, John, Max, Paul, Ben, Charlie), and grandson Ryan. She will be lovingly remembered by her seven children; Terri, Antoinette, Suzanne (Ted), Jacqueline (Gilles), Jeanette (Jonas), Christopher, and Juliette (Ron), grandchildren Korey, Brendan, Bridgette, Nikolas, Shannon, Antoinette, Heather, Nicolette, Kristofer, Moira, Mairi, Bronwyn, Gwyneth, Finn, and their partners, and great-grandsons Declan and Fenris. She is also survived by her siblings Marguerite, Pierre, Jim, and many nephews and nieces, sisters-in-law and brother-in-law and will be fondly remembered by extended family and many friends.

Born in McLennan, Alberta, April 21, 1939, Monica‘s life was a rich tale of survival, adventure, drama, determination, and family bonds. Monica had a diverse professional career starting work at the federal government at the age of just 16, later running a grocery store in Vancouver BC, a restaurant (the Chit Chat Cafe) in White Rock BC with husband Walter, working as a real estate agent in Burnaby BC, and later returning to the federal government until her retirement.

Her life was one of service, as a Sergeant in the Canadian Army Reserves, volunteering for numerous organizations including Girl Guides of Canada, Boy Scouts, musical theatre groups in Burnaby and Surrey (Surrey Little Theatre), New Westminster concert band, the BC tourism information centre and assisting many other community organizations over many years. In 2002, she received the Queen’s Jubilee medal in recognition of her selfless contribution to volunteerism. She epitomizes a life well lived - working full time while raising seven children and still finding time for her community and pursuing her many interests from costume and quilt making to card playing (especially bridge), stamp collecting, travelling, and learning Spanish.

Monica will be remembered for her commitment and devotion to her family, her quick wit and sense of humour, her sharp mind and exceptional memory, her many skills and interests that she shared with others, and being an exceptional organizer whether for community events or girl guide camps. She has demonstrated immense strength and resilience while dealing with various challenges throughout her life and has been a constant source of wisdom, advice, support, and inspiration for others. She is sadly missed by all who knew her and her vibrant spirit and memory will be cherished forever.

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A Celebration of Monica’s Life will be held Sunday May 25, 2025 1-4pm at the Semiahmoo Fish and Game Club, 1284 184 St. Surrey

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Monica's name to the Atira Women’s Resource Centre or the RAPS Cat Sanctuary.