Joan O'Keefe Van De Berghe

Joan O'Keefe Van de Berghe, age 81 of Fairfield, beloved wife of the late Richard L. Van de Berghe, MD passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family Sunday, February 23, 2014. Born in Brooklyn, NY the daughter of the late William and Elizabeth O'Keefe, she resided in Fairfield for more than 50 years. She received her BA from the College of Mount Saint Vincent and a Masters Degree in American Studies from Fairfield University. Mrs. Van de Berghe taught middle school in New York City and Bridgeport, Connecticut prior to raising her family. For most of her life, volunteer work was one of her greatest joys. Initially, she became a docent in Medieval Art at the Cloisters. She later specialized in paintings, sculptures and decorative arts in the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Locally, she was a volunteer and board member of the Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival, board member and volunteer at the Mercy Learning in Bridgeport and also volunteered at Bridgeport Hospital. Mrs. Van de Berghe was a member of the Brooklawn Country Club, Pequot Yacht Club and the Fairfield Beach Club. Joan was an avid sportswoman and a reluctant sailor. She enjoyed playing tennis and paddle tennis. Her greatest joy, however, was time spent with her family. Survivors include two children, Dr. Elizabeth V. Brennan and her husband Dr. Michael Brennan of Fairfield and Richard L. Van de Berghe, Jr. and his wife Claire of Fairfield; four grandchildren, Ashlinn and Declan Brennan, Alison and Richard L. Van de Berghe, III; a sister, Denise Linden and nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield. Interment will be private. Friends may call Friday, February 28, 2014 from 5-8 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. For information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com