Karen Sue O'Brien

Karen Sue (Hobbs) O’Brien, 70, of Upper Arlington, passed peacefully, surrounded by her three loving children and close friends, at her home on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013. Preceded in death by her parents, Harvard H. Hobbs and Dorothy M. (Burris) Shaffer. Born Feb. 17, 1943, in London, Ohio, Karen was a graduate of Upper Arlington High School in 1961 and The Ohio State University's College of Dentistry in 1964. Karen married and started her family in Bexley. Formerly a dental hygienist, Karen later went into advertising specialty, and later established O’Brien Promotions. During her active volunteer years, she was a member of the Junior League of Columbus, Young Associates of the Columbus Symphony, Jr. Council of the Columbus Museum of Art, the Central Ohio Diabetes Assn, and later an officer for her condominium association. Survived by daughters Holly O. Hull (Trace), Kelly O’Brien, and William K. O’Brien (Cheryl); grandchildren Liam and Peyton Hull, Aidan O’Brien Chinn, Conor and Kennedy O’Brien. Karen’s endearing qualities attracted many devoted friends throughout her life. Her beauty, style and warm smile will be missed by all. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at Worthington Presbyterian Church, 773 High St., at 11:30 a.m. on Sat., Nov. 2. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Pelotonia.org (ID: WO0003) benefiting cancer research at the Ohio State University.