Marcia Ellen O’Keefe DeGenaro, aged 68, passed away in Dedham, Massachusetts on March 15th, 2021 after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. The youngest child of William O’Keefe and Felicia O’Keefe (Roman), Marcia was born in New Haven on August 5, 1952, and raised in Hamden with her three siblings.
Marcia was a true free spirit. She was a lover of travel, having adventured to Europe after high school with her closest friends; throughout her life, she continually encouraged those she loved to explore the world. Marcia was also an incredibly gifted artist, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Studio Arts from Southern Connecticut State University, and subsequently putting her talents to use both at home and as a substitute art teacher over the years. Marcia had a way of making the people around her feel welcome with her genuine warmth and kindheartedness, which extended to family, friends, and strangers alike. Those close to her would tell you that Marcia always shared exactly what was on her mind and insisted on doing things her own way. She was known for her sweet tooth and for having a mischievous “twinkle in her eye.”
Marcia married Mark DeGenaro in 1975 (now divorced), and together they lovingly raised their two daughters. As a stay-at-home mother, Marcia approached family life with zeal, creatively providing adventures for her children and sharing her passion for art and exploration through school and home activities. Marcia happily embraced motherhood and participated in her children’s music, sports, art, and outdoor activities. Despite her ongoing illness, Marcia continued to explore the world and enjoyed travels to London and Paris, New Zealand, Colorado, and California with her family. She strived to teach her children to give back to the world and their communities.
Marcia is survived by her beloved sister, Felicia O’Keefe Chadbourne, her brother Robert O’Keefe, her daughters, Lauren DeGenaro Ferdinands and Carey DeGenaro, her cherished nieces and nephews, and her beautiful grandchildren, Emilia and Eliza Ferdinands.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Newbridge on the Charles in Dedham Massachusetts for their compassionate and loving dedication to Marcia during her four years in their care, and especially during this ongoing pandemic.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Marcia DeGenaro can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, nationalmsscociety.org, Young Audiences Arts for Learning, youngaudiences.org, or to a charity of choice.