Elizabeth Layne O’Keefe (Buffy Hampson) passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 20, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, intelligence, and deep devotion to her family and friends. Known affectionately to many as “Liz” Elizabeth will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Born at 6:06 a.m. on February 4, 1974, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Elizabeth spent most of her childhood in Venice, Florida, a close-knit community she cherished throughout her life. She was baptized at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on April 4, 1976, by Father Calvin Davis.
Elizabeth graduated from Venice High School in 1992, where she served as Secretary of her senior class and was honored as a member of the Homecoming Court. She continued her education at Florida State University, earning a degree in Psychology, and later obtained an advanced degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology from University of Tennessee. Elizabeth built a successful career in her field while living in Raleigh, North Carolina.
On May 20, 2000, Elizabeth married the love of her life, Patrick O’Keefe, in a small chapel in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Together they built a beautiful life centered around family, love, and shared values. Eventually, they returned to Venice so their children, Connor, Jillian, and Abigail, could grow up surrounded by family and experience the same strong sense of community that meant so much to Elizabeth.
Above all else, Elizabeth was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, and friend. She had a warm spirit, a caring heart, and a quiet strength that touched countless lives. Her memory will live on through her family, the friendships she nurtured, and the many people whose lives were better because she was part of them.
