Imelda “Millie” O’Keefe

Imelda “Millie” O’Keefe (née Power) passed away on Monday, August 24, at the age of 90. Known to everyone as Millie and to her grandchildren as Nanna. Born in Montreal in 1936 to Francis Power and Brenda Hayes of Nenagh, County Tipperary, Ireland, Mom began a remarkable 21-year career with Trans-Canada Air Lines, later Air Canada. She worked as a purser, trained and supervised crews, and served as General Chairperson of the Canadian Air Line Flight Attendants’ Association from 1962 to 1969. After an early retirement, she worked at Concordia University for nearly two decades. To a dozen nieces and nephews, she was Aunt Millie—a constant presence who took enormous pride in being there whenever family needed her. Predeceased by her parents, Francis and Brenda Power (née Hayes), and her siblings Sheila, Bruce (Margaret), and her twin and “kid brother” Mike (Dolores), she leaves behind her son, historian David O’Keefe; daughter-in-law Carolyn; grandchildren Jessica (Justin), Andie (Mike) and Kevin; and her granddogs Poppy, Winnie and Lola. A celebration of Millie’s life will be held over the Remembrance Day weekend this November. In lieu of flowers, donations to Guide Dogs for the Blind and/or the Last Post Fund.