Cynthia 'Cam' Anne O'Keefe

Cynthia Anne Matherne “Cam” O’Keefe, age 77, entered eternal rest on Friday, January 23, 2026, in New Braunfels, Texas, after a faithful and courageous battle with Stage 4 breast cancer.

Cam was born on September 28, 1948, in Port Arthur, Texas, to Emile and Majorie Matherne, who preceded her in death. She was raised in Sulphur, Louisiana & Beaumont, Texas, and attended Kelly High School.

In August 1969, Cam married her high school sweetheart, Arthur K. O’Keefe, in Beaumont, Texas. United in faith and love, they shared a devoted marriage until Arthur’s passing on March 6, 2025.

She is survived by her beloved children: Jenny O’Keefe Emmons (married to Christopher M. Emmons), Erin O’Keefe Butler (married to Dale Butler), and Kyle O’Keefe (married to Tara Rudiger O’Keefe). She was a loving grandmother to Peyton Filbrant (married to Cameron Filbrandt), Parker Emmons (married to Ellie DiGiosia Emmons), Jake Emmons, Andrew Butler, Joseph Butler, Kaley O’Keefe, Mattie O’Keefe, William O’Keefe, and Joshua O’Keefe. She is also survived by her sisters, Lynn Matherne, Patricia Jackson, and Lisa DeWitt (married to Tim Dewitt), along with many cherished nieces and nephews.

Cam attended the University of Texas from 1965 to 1969, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. After graduation, Cam drove a school bus, worked at Marywood, a home for unwed mothers, and lectured at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State). She dedicated her professional life to the service of education, teaching middle school vocational education for many years, and was the Vocational Education Technology Curriculum Specialist for the State of Texas. Later she began writing school vocational curriculum for the University of Texas and EB Stevens Company.

Gifted with a love for words and truth, Cam embraced writing as a vocation, using her talents to draw others closer to God. She authored four Christian-themed books: To Live Again (August 2021), To Love Again (May 6, 2022), To Hope Again (January 1, 2024), and Two Realms, which was in the process of publication at the time of her passing.

A faithful Catholic, Cam lived her life in joyful witness to the Gospel. She held a deep and abiding belief that all people are created in the image and likeness of God. Guided by this conviction, she—together with her husband, affectionately known as “Kayo”—worked tirelessly to promote the dignity of human life from conception to natural death. Her life was marked by service, kindness, and generous love. She faithfully served in many volunteer roles within the Church, offering her gifts of faith, discernment, and encouragement to all she encountered.

Cam’s life was a testament to faithful discipleship. She will be remembered for her devotion to God, her love for her family, and her quiet strength. We commend her soul to the mercy of God and trust in the promise of the resurrection.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Catholic School (Taylor, Texas) and Texas Alliance for Life (Austin, Texas) in thanksgiving for Cam's life.

Pallbearers are: Parker Emmons, Jake Emmons, Andrew Butler, Joseph Butler, William O'Keefe, Cameron Filbrandt.

Honorary: Joshua O'Keefe.