Elwanda Jean O’Keefe Hahn, 1933–2020
Elwanda Jean (O’Keefe) Hahn 87, of Jayton died July 29, 2020. Services were held Sunday afternoon, August 2, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at Girard Cemetery, Girard, Texas, with Patrick Hamilton officiating.
Born Elwanda Jean O’Keefe on March 8, 1933 in Post, Texas, Elwanda was the only child of Chris V. O’Keefe and Pauline Stewart O’Keefe. She grew up on her parents’ Kent County ranch, attending school at Girard.
Elwanda was barely 17, though already a junior at North Texas State College, when she married her lifelong sweetheart, Norman Earl Hahn, in 1950. After his service in the Coast Guard, they attended Texas Tech University, from which Elwanda received her bachelor’s degree in English.
A mother of four, Elwanda waited to begin teaching. She taught English and later art, also coaching UIL literary and dramatic events, taking many students to state competition. In summers at East Texas, Elwanda earned a master’s degree in library science, becoming librarian for Jayton Public Schools. She did not silently endure improper grammar. Still, beloved by her students, perhaps especially the ones she took pains to correct, she received countless thanks for the lessons she taught.
Her gift as an artist emerged after her children were grown.
Adept at watercolor, pastels and oil painting, Elwanda not only painted florals and landscapes, she depicted cowboys, Native Americans and grandchildren. Among the most prized by family are paintings of her favorite subject, Norman, at the ranch they loved.
Outside the classroom, Elwanda was a faithful member of First Baptist Church and the Spur Art Guild. She was a gracious hostess, caring friend and community supporter. After books, she loved movies, especially musicals.
Elwanda was predeceased by her parents and her husband, the latter having died in March. Elwanda was a committed wife and partner in a 70-year marriage.
She is survived by four daughters: Holly Hahn Sorrells, Dana Hahn Brinkman, Janine Hahn Spiller (spouse, Russ) and Erin Hahn Edwards. Eight grandchildren are Michael Muscatell, Megan Muscatell Butler, Kelsey Brinkman Smith, Alyssa Spiller Sajovich, Steven Kent Spiller, Allison Ballard Kierman, Tony Harvey and Ashley Harvey. Great-grandchildren continue to increase.
