Karen Lorraine Keefe (Noseworthy), 76, of Cleveland, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026, at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital surrounded by family. She was born on March 19, 1950, in Corner Brook, NFLD, to the late Golda and Jim Noseworthy. She spent her early years in Corner Brook before moving to Port Hawkesbury as a teenager, where she began building a life filled with love, family, and cherished memories.
Karen was the beloved wife of Edward “Tom” Keefe, with whom she shared 56 wonderful years of marriage. Their enduring partnership was a true testament to love, loyalty, and finding joy in life’s everyday moments.
Together they raised five wonderful children. Karen was a loving, protective, and dedicated mother who poured every ounce of her heart into her family. She shared a special bond with her daughter Tammy, whose companionship brought Karen immeasurable happiness. Every summer, Karen, Tom, and Tammy packed up the truck and headed “back home” to Newfoundland. Those road trips became cherished family traditions, filled with breathtaking scenery, endless laughter, and enough stories to last until the next summer.
Beyond being a devoted wife and mother, Karen’s favourite title was simply “Nanny.” She adored her ten grandchildren and celebrated every milestone, big or small, with unmatched pride. Whether she was knitting her famous dish cloths, baking fresh bread, preparing homemade meals, or sharing stories around the kitchen table, she made every grandchild feel deeply loved. She taught her grandchildren that the most meaningful gifts aren’t things— it’s the time we share with one another.
Karen will be remembered for her compassion, sharp wit, dry sense of humour, warm hospitality, and most famously her stubbornness. She had a gift for speaking the truth. She could put you in your place when needed, but you always felt the kindness and love behind her words. Nobody ever left her house hungry, without a hug, or without a container of leftovers in hand. Goodbyes often lasted nearly as long as the visit itself, ending with her familiar instruction: “Call me when you get home so I know you made it.” If you happened to forget, chances are she was already reaching for the phone to call you first.
She loved deeply, worried constantly, gave endlessly, and wasn’t afraid to tell you exactly what she thought. Behind her spirited nature she had the biggest heart—one that quietly and selflessly cared for everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Karen is survived by her loving husband, Edward “Tom” Keefe; her children, Natasha, Tammy, Erin (Joel), Stewart (Tanya), and Nicholas; her cherished grandchildren, Erica, Cora, Andrew, Kolby, Diamond, Kendra, Dylan, Rebecca, Bowen, and Wesley; as well as her brothers and sisters. She was predeceased by her parents, Golda and Jim Noseworthy.
To honour Karen’s request, cremation has taken place with no services being held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Down Syndrome Society or to a charity of your choice in Karen’s memory.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the ICU and Palliative Care Unit at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital for the compassion, dignity, and kindness they showed Karen and her family during her final days. The family would also like to extend their sincere appreciation to all of the healthcare professionals who cared for Karen throughout her life, helping her live many wonderful years filled with family, adventure, and love.
Karen leaves behind a legacy of love, unwavering devotion, quiet generosity, and countless memories that will continue to bring smiles for years to come. She will be profoundly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com
