Jeanne Teresa O'Brien

December 13, 2024.

Jeanne was born on November 28, 1929 in West Seattle, to parents Frank and Rose (Yantsch)

Kumhera, the third of four girls. She attended Holy Rosary Grade School and High School.

She studied sociology at Seattle University and completed graduate studies in social work at

Boston College. She met her husband John while attending Seattle U, and when he asked her to

marry him she replied, “I’ll think about it.” One year later, she let him know she’d made up her mind

and said yes. They were married for over 70 years and raised their seven children together on

Capitol Hill where they were active members of St. Joseph’s Parish. Jeanne had the patience of a

saint but when the kids were young, her worst fear was all of them waking up at the same time.

Jeanne was deeply involved in charity work her entire life, including volunteering at the Francis

House and the Association for Catholic Community Services. She was a charter member of the

Immaculate Heart Circle.

She was known for her sense of adventure and love of travel. Jeanne was always the first (or

second) off the rope swing at Lisabeula Resort on Vashon Island, and her three sisters were her

best friends in the entire world. She adored fresh flowers, sweet treats, black and white cows, and

splitting a beer so it stayed cold. Whenever something in life was particularly nice, she reminded

everyone to “savor, savor.” Her potato salad, banana bread, and chocolate chip cookie recipes were

world-renowned.

Jeanne is survived by her husband John, her children, Anne O’Brien Noziglia (Fran), John O’Brien

(Susan), Julie O’Brien Rendle (Steve), Frank O’Brien (Debbie), Pat O’Brien (Meagan), and Joe O’Brien

(Debbie), Kerri Hong, and grandchildren, Blake, Evan, Will, Eva, Davis (Jeanne), Riley (Chellyn),

Brendan, Michael, Johnny, Connor, and Elle, together with many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Rose (Yantsch) Kumhera, her sisters, Bettie

Smith (Ad), Lois Roppo (Phil), Gerrie Allen (Ed), and her daughter, Mary O’Brien.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to caregivers Ann(Mbaire), Bee(Bissrat),

Jemila, Sandal, Feyruz, and Jean who brought Jeanne comfort and care in her final days.

Jeanne’s Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at St. Joseph’s

Catholic Church followed by a reception at the Social Hall. A rosary will be held before the service

at 10:30 a.m.

Memorials or donations may be made to ACC (Advocacy for Caring & Children) or to the charity of

your choice.

www.advocacyandcaringforchildren.org