Obituary of Tasha Santiago-O'Keefe

Tasha Santiago-O’Keefe passed away peacefully on the morning of August 8, 2022. She was the daughter of Gina O’keefe and Gualberto Santiago, both of whom are deceased.

Tasha joined the Matheny family in July, 2000. She loved her Matheny family and her family loved her. Tasha was a graduate from the Matheny School and then attended the Adult Day Program. She loved painting and dancing in the Arts Access program. She was always ready to don her painting smock to start because she knew it was going to get messy! With choices that she made beforehand, she loved to go to town independently by putting a paintbrush full of acrylic paint to her canvas.  She was also a brilliant dance partner, strong and swift and loved Lady Gaga. Tasha loved music and she loved to sing. She was a member of the Matheny chorus. She also played the drums and piano in music therapy and entertained many with her singing and melodic chants of “hi yi yi”.

Tasha participated in all of Matheny’s recreation activities, from parties, outings, proms, Holiday Express, boating and much more. She was a Special Olympics athlete competing in several different track and field events. She loved doing yoga especially ending her session with “Namaste” in her most enthusiastic way. She loved interacting with others, going for walks, and planning for trips in the community. She loved working with her Occupational and Physical therapists riding the bike, going for walks and swimming - she LOVED swimming! She knew who loved her and would always reach out to greet them when she saw them. If she didn’t know you, she would always stop you and ask you what was your name. When Tasha wanted something, it was hard to deny her, whether it be going for a walk, showing her your badge or giving her a hug. She had a way of making everyone she worked with feel special, from exuberant greetings to endearing nicknames. To be part of Tasha’s life was truly a blessing. She was an energetic, charismatic, and enthusiastic young woman. We will miss her voice, her energy, and her perseverance.

Visitation will be held at Bailey Funeral Home, 176 Main Street, Peapack on Tuesday, August 16th from 2-5 pm.  A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 9:30 am in the funeral home.  Interment to follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Chester.