Margaret O’Keefe Cartwright
Margaret O’Keefe Cartwright, 64, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on October 5, 2024, in China, Texas, after a valiant fight against pancreatic cancer.
Margaret was born in Beaumont, Texas, the daughter of Elizabeth Anne Carroll and Arthur Kennedy O’Keefe, both deceased. She was raised in Beaumont, Texas, and China, Texas, and was an avid horsewoman, growing up competing in show jumping and raising thoroughbred horses with her mom and sisters.
Margaret studied Animal Science at Sam Houston State University and graduated from Lamar University with a degree in nursing. Margaret worked in various nursing roles throughout her career, including the ER, neuro ICU, and her eventual long-term calling of hospice care, bringing comfort and peace to many at the end of their earthly lives.
Anyone who knew Margaret knew of her incredible compassion, intense reverence for life, both for human as well as animals of all kinds, and an immense sense of fun and vigor for life. She adored life on the farm, from growing hay to raising cattle, and everything in between.
Margaret was fiercely loyal and dedicated to her family and friends, and especially to her two children: Katherine Elizabeth Ross and husband, Luke Ross of Orange, Texas, and Jesse Emmett Cartwright of China, Texas, both of whom survive her. She is also survived by her six siblings: Arthur K. O’Keefe, Jr. of Taylor, Texas; Michael C. O’Keefe of Austin, Texas; C. Richard O’Keefe of Henderson, Texas; James E. O’Keefe of Murchison, Texas; Carroll O’Keefe of Ben Wheeler, Texas; and Christine O’Keefe Poulton of Hartsburg, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews who cherished every moment learning to ride horses and learning everything about farm life during summers at the Horseshoe Trading Company. Her oldest sister, Emma Clare Flynn, preceded her in death in 2017.
The family would like to especially thank Lizzy Shaw of Sour Lake, Texas, for her tremendous support and love, as well as Stonewood Hospice, specifically John Toney and Dr. Kimberly Pitts, for the incredibly compassionate care and support they have provided to Margaret. And to all of Margaret’s friends and support network, thank you.
In lieu of flowers please make contributions in Margaret’s name to Catholic Charities, 2780 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, Texas 77703 or Stable-Spirit, 295 Flamingo Street, Rose City, Texas 77662.
To celebrate Margaret’s life, a Rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m., with a gathering of her family and friends to follow until 8:00 p.m., Friday, October 11, 2024, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 245 Highway 90, China, with her interment will follow at Rosedale Cemetery in Sour Lake.
Video
Rosary
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- October 11, 2024
- 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- October 11, 2024
- 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Mass of Christian Burial
Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church
- 245, US 90, China, Texas, 77613,
- October 12, 2024
- 10:00 am
Interment
Rosedale Cemetery
- 635, Old Beaumont Road, Sour Lake, Texas, 77659,
- October 12, 2024
Wishing you all comfort and peace at this time of sorrow with heartfelt condolences.
Please know our loving thoughts embrace you, and may the peace that comes from the memories of love from your Mother comfort you now and in the days ahead.
So sorry for ur loss..
Ur in my prayers
We thought the world of Margaret and will miss her greatly. She was a wonderful neighbor and friend. Sending our deepest sympathy and love. Bobby and Julie
My prayers go out to Margaret’s family. She was my study partner in nursing school 30 years ago. We spent many hours studying and laughing. She is a special lady and nurse.
one of the caring and loving persons in this world, never will I forget the love and help when Gary passed, an angel will be missed!!
~Mark Jefferson
Kathy and Jessees your Mom was a wonderful person, a good Nurse. And she loved yall dearly, I watch yall grow up, she always had something to say pleasant to me, SHE was so proud of her babies 👶 I to will miss her Dearly
Remembering the family in my prayers
Sincerely Audrey L Pitre
So sorry to hear of Margaret passing. We met when she was taking care of my grandparents in their final days. She was so compassionate and caring. She was a great source of comfort as we were preparing to say goodbye to our loved ones. Our prayers go out to her children and family.
Katy and Jesse
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was awesome. She loved y’all very much. She will be dearly missed. If y’all need anything please me know. Love y’all and sending prayers.
Cam & KO, Please know you’re being thought of during the difficult days ahead. Prayers for your families. We know your sister is touching the hem of His garment. Love you both. 🩵
Katy and Jesse,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother!! She was full of spunk and you two were her world! My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family!
Love you!
Shannon (Flowers) Garrod
Katy, Luke, Jessee, it’s no secret just how much your mother was loved by so many. She was such a force and amazing woman and a blessing of a friend. I am thankful that she and I were able to meet and become fast friends! She touched my life with so much joy! I will miss her dearly……
Please know how much I love you guys and how much I have been praying for you all and will continue to do so.
So sorry to hear about Margaret’s passing. I have wonderful memories of Margaret and all the O’Keefe family. Praying for all.
I worked with my friend several years in hospice. I loved her and admired her so much. Her laugh always made me smile. Her direct nature I loved. She always took up for the weak. Her compassion was great. I will miss her but one day we shall meet again.
RIP MARGARET
Our sincerest condolences to the Cartwright & O’Keefe families, as well as Margaret’s friends, co-workers, neighbors & all who knew & cared for her. Our prayers are with all, grieving her loss in the difficult days ahead.
Blessings in Christ Jesus. John 14:6
I’m going to miss you, Margaret! I know we joked about being brother and sister, but it really was more real than a joke. You were such a good friend, such a good nurse. I love the times that we worked together and Just talked. Thank you for all you did to help me with horses and hay and everything in between. You will be missed my dear friend, your brother David.
We are praying tremendously for you both, Katy and Jesse. Y’all were your mamas greatest blessings and she loved y’all more than life itself. If yall need anything we are here for you❤️
I was shocked to hear that Margaret had passed. My thoughts and prayers are with Katie & Jesse. Margaret was a very special person and will be missed greatly. Love y’all, Carolyn
The Riceland Healthcare family, specifically the Riceland Hospice team sends their heartfelt condolences and sincere wishes for peace and comfort to Margaret’s family and friends during this difficult time. May God embrace each and every one of you, and may grief me replaced with beautiful memories of your time together.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all.
May your sweet soul rest in peace Margaret .
I am so sorry for your loss. She is resting now and out of pain. Prayers to all of the family.