WALLINGFORD - Loretta M. (O'Keefe) Larsen, 86, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away on Saturday, December 14th, 2013 at Yale-New Haven Hospital with her family at her side. Born in New Rochelle, NY, she was the daughter of William and Mary Lyons O'Keefe. In addition to her husband Walter, she is survived by four daughters, Janice, Candace, Patricia, and Kerry, and a son, Douglas, as well as sons-in-law Daniel and Carl, and daughter-in-law Aimee. Grandchildren, Jennifer, Aimee, Leiah, April, Kelly, Stephanie, and Christine will miss their grandmother very much, as will great grandchildren Josh, Jacob, Thadeus, Genevieve, Myles, Will, and Matthew. Loretta was pre-deceased by her parents and by brothers George, Thomas, and Bernard, and sisters Johanna and Mary. Besides what she considered her most important vocation as wife and mother, Loretta also worked outside the home, most prominently as a Sales Manager for Avon Products of Rye, NY, where she was a top achiever, winning many awards and the admiration of her colleagues. She also worked for many years as a volunteer for the American Red Cross. Loretta enjoyed writing poetry, and was very proud of her Irish heritage. She was devoted to her family, and loved nothing more than when children, grandchildren, and friends came to call, and time was spent around the table sharing endless cups of tea, an abundance of stories, and lots of laughs. She was known for her humor and sharp wit. Should friends desire, contributions can be made in Loretta's name to a favorite charity, as she was a person of great compassion who was always concerned for the less fortunate. Also, a random act of kindness toward someone elderly you know or meet, done in Loretta's honor would be welcome, as she was kind to all she knew, friend or stranger. Loretta will be terribly missed by all those who had the good fortune to be a part of her life. She was, in both word and deed, the definition of unconditional love. Relatives and friends may call on Thursday, December 19th from 11 AM - 12 PM at the B. C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 S. Elm St., Wallingford. A funeral service will follow in the funeral home at 12 PM. Interment will be private.