Mary Lou O’Brien, beloved mother and grandmother passed away peacefully on July 18, 2014, surrounded by her family. Mary Lou was born in Brooklyn, New York on December 23, 1933, the only child of Dr. Harry and Hazel Sullivan Burgess. Her mother died shortly after giving birth but fortunately Mary Lou grew up in a loving family home with her Aunt Lucy and cousins Delores and Ginny.
Mary Lou attended high school at St. Angela Academy in Brooklyn. She graduated from Ladycliffe College in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Education. Two years later she received her Masters Degree in Education from St. John’s University. Following her graduation, she accepted a teaching job in New York where she taught kindergarten for three years.
Her life would change forever when she met William Patrick “Willie” O’Brien. Mary Lou and Willie fell in love and married on January 18, 1958. They spent 37 wonderful years together until Willie’s death in 1995. The couple would leave their beloved New York in 1968 and relocate to Houston in 1970.
Mary Lou’s true calling was raising her seven children and spending time with her beloved grandchildren. She was a sports enthusiast and attended hundreds of family sporting events across the state cheering in the stands with her distinctive Brooklyn accent. Her children and grandchildren will always cherish the wonderful memories and support from their mother and grandmother.
Mary Lou was an active and devoted member of St. John Vianney Catholic Chuch for over 40 years. She taught Religious Education, served on the Parish Council, held several offices in the Women’s Club and for several years worked on the Funeral Aid Committee. She and Willie were also long time Meals On Wheels volunteers. She was a regular at church bingo and an excellent bridge player, a game she enjoyed playing up until the last few weeks of her life. Mary Lou and Willie developed many lifelong friendships from their extended church family.
Mary Lou is survived by her sons Bill O’Brien, wife Marilyn and granddaughter Emma; Harry O’Brien, granddaughter Brittany and grandson Kevin; Bob O’Brien, wife Lauren, granddaughters Rachael and Natalie and grandson Will; Thomas O’Brien; Ed O’Brien; and daughters Kathleen King, husband Collins, granddaughter Anna and grandson Carson; Maureen Schlotzhauer, husband Mike, grandsons Ryan and Matthew and granddaughter Lauren.
The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Mary Lou’s friends for their support, with a special thanks to her caregiver, Jennifer Garcia.
The family will receive friends for a Vigil Service at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 22 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., including a Rosary that will begin at 7:15p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail on Wednesday, July 23 at 10:30 a.m. with Father Troy Gately, Celebrant. Memorial contributions can be made to Meals on Wheels, 3217 Montrose, Houston, TX 77087 or St. John Vianney Catholic Church.
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