Franciska Wax Akins O'Keefe

Submitted by: Mary Ellen

She had come to California with her parents in the gold rush of '52, and in the course of her seventy-two years of life had had a sonsiderable share of the prosperity and bounty which the Golden West had showered upon those who were courageous enough to seek their fortunes in this up till then unexplored wilderness. This prosperity she never failed to share with others.

The respect which Californians love to show to those who have taken part in the upbuilding of their state was abundantly exemplified at the interment. The whole center of St. Patrick's church was filled with mourners and sympathizers, some having come specially from Oakland and San Francisco in order to attend. The casket was covered with a profusion of exquisite floral offerings, many from friends of the family, many also from clients and customers., thus testifying to the courtesy and kindness which mark the business of the O'Keefe Co.

The pall-bearers were Messrs. W.J. Anderson, A.D. Frazier, J.W. Lee, J. Quigley, J. Tinney, and J. Wall, while Father O'Flanagan officiated in the church.

The last services in the Union Cemetery were equally impressive. Part of the walks over which the funeral procession had to pass on the way to the grave had been carpeted, and a large tent had been erected over the space immediately surrounding the burial place. This tent was a great convenience in sheltering the crowd from the cold breeze which was blowing (though the day itself was beautifully bright and fine) and helped to give one the impression that the ceremony was not so much a laying away in a cold grave as a transfer from one comfortable home to another. Father O'Flanagan officiated again at the grave, Mrs. Rantz and A.S. Fox rendered two beautiful duets which were as consoling to the listeners as they were beautiful and harmonious.

Altogether, it was one of the most expressive and tasteful interments ever witnessed here, no expense having been spared, and yet there was no suggestion of lavishness or prodigality. Everything was carried out with perfect taste.

The family desire to express their deep gratitude to the kind friends who showed their sympathy in innumerable ways both dthe final illness and afterwards when preparing for and assisting at the funeral. While still smarting under the pain of their loss, it is a great consolation to them to find that their dear departed one was so universally esteemed and beloved.

"May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace."