Claire E Bockenhauer

Claire Elizabeth Bockenhauer (nee O’Keefe), age 65, of Roselle Park, NJ, passed away at home on Tuesday April 14, 2026.  

Claire was raised in the North End of Elizabeth, attending Blessed Sacrament parochial school, St Patrick’s RC High School and Kean College. In her younger years she was a model and was memorably pictured on packaging for a few different toys in the mid 1960s.  Claire cherished her Irish heritage, taking Irish stepdancing lessons and in her teenage years, she worked summers with her sisters and cousins at the Irish resorts up in the Catskills.  She made her mark in the community during her time at Beggars Banquet in Elizabeth, famously serving up drinks and attitude. She more recently worked for Continental/United Airlines in airport operations for over 30 years, and was well-known and well-loved among her work family.  

Claire kept her roots in New Jersey but also loved to travel and soak up the sun in the Caribbean - especially with her travel partner and cousin, Vinny.  Claire was known for her strength and independence and her fierce loyalty to family and friends. She was thoughtful and generous and never hesitated to give a gift, lottery ticket, charitable donation, or an “upgrade”. Her son Luke remembers her as the greatest negotiator he’s ever met, “No one could haggle like my Mom.” 

Claire is survived by her husband John of 38 years, their son Luke, sister Ann Marie Scanlon (Tom Della Badia), brothers Tom O'Keefe (Barry Brooks) and Joe O'Keefe (Tracy).  Claire was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Teresa O'Keefe, sister Terry Sheils (Chris) and infant sons John and Jake. Claire was a loving aunt to 10 nieces and nephews, devoted cousin and a loyal friend to countless others.

Services

Visitation will be on Friday April 17, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home, 582 Springfield Ave. Westfield NJ 07090. 

Funeral mass will be on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 10 AM at St. Genevieve's RC Church, 200 Monmouth Rd, Elizabeth, NJ 07208