Mary Lee O'Keefe (née Huff), age 78, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026, after a courageous journey with dementia.
Mary Lee was the beloved wife of Henry Randall "Randy" O'Keefe, and a devoted mother to Ellen (Jonathan) DeMik, Leeann (Eugene) Cacovean, Stephen (Cheryl) O'Keefe, and Kevin (Ellie) O'Keefe. She was the cherished grandmother—known lovingly to all as "Mimi"—to Andrew, Jonah, Joshua, Ethan, Claire, Anneliese, Callum, and Declan. The name Mimi, fittingly, was also Mary Lee's own childhood nickname.
She was born to Ora Lee and Dorothy Huff on April 6, 1947, in Detroit, MI and was a dear sister to Bob (Jane) Huff, Mark (Kirsten) Huff and the late Bill Huff. Also survived by sister-in-law Lynne Huff. Mary Lee was also a much-loved aunt to her nieces and nephews and considered family by her lifelong friends.
Mary Lee dedicated much of her life to caring for others—as a stay-at-home mother and later as a bookkeeper and office manager. She valued education deeply, attending St. Gemma's Elementary School and Rosary High School in Detroit, St. Dominic's College in St. Charles, Illinois, and earning a Bachelor of Science in Administration from the University of Michigan–Dearborn.
Creativity and service defined Mary Lee's life. She found joy in art and needle crafts, including sewing, needlepoint, crochet, and knitting. She loved cooking and sharing meals through the Northville Gourmet Group, playing euchre with the Novi Newcomers Club, and spending time outdoors skiing, bowling, and camping. Nothing brought her more happiness than time with her grandchildren—being the grandma who wasn't afraid to sit in the sandbox, climb the jungle gym, jump in the pool, or dive into gloriously messy craft projects.
Mary Lee expressed love through service and handmade gifts—knitted washcloths, hand-painted stationery, quick breads, and countless thoughtful creations. She also shared a special bond with her beloved dog Heidi, whom she loved to groom and walk until she no longer was able.
A woman of deep faith, Mary Lee lived guided by devotion and quiet strength. One of her favorite reflections captures her spirit well:
"As mariners are guided into port by the shining of a star, so Christians are guided to heaven by Mary." — St. Thomas Aquinas
Visitation will take place on Monday, February 2, from 10:30–11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Northville.
A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m.
Private interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Michigan www.hom.org or Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan www.ccsem.org
Mary Lee O'Keefe will be remembered for her generosity, creativity, faith, and boundless love—especially for her family and her cherished Mimi role. She leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, and hands that were never idle when there was love to give.