Ms. Kathryn "Kathy" Cecelia Obrien

Kathryn Cecelia O'Brien was born on December 29, 1946 in Sisseton, South Dakota. Her parents were Helen and Richard O'Brien and she is the second youngest child of five. Kathy spent her early years on the family farm in New Effington, SD. When she was a little older her parents moved to Rapid City. It was in these early years she developed a love of reading after her grandmother gave her a copy of The Wizard of Oz. Kathy also learned to love nature and developed a very strong work ethic.

Kathy was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. In her early years in South Dakota she was active in affirmative action, welfare reform, and later on became the first woman manager at the Central States Fair. In the 1980's she moved to California and started working for the Sweetwater Union High School District as a credential analyst. She continued her work advocating for union members with the California School Employees Association (CSEA), eventually becoming the chapter president. She was employed for over 25 years with the district.

During this time at the district she befriended a group of ladies who also worked in the district. This group became her life-long friends that she loved very much. They often went shopping, dancing and traveled together. This group consists of Debbie McLinden, Rosa Morales, Irma Enjambre, Rosa McAlister, Irene Mosley and lastly Malena Morales who passed in 2012.

When Kathy’s retirement finally arrived she remained in Chula Vista. She spent time traveling with friends and her sisters. Kathy loved retirement; it provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions, read, and spend time with her grandchildren.

On June 12, 2022 Kathy passed away surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her (daughter) Helen “Mickie” and (son-in-law) Manny “Jun” Narvaza, and her grandchildren: Nico, Brandon, and Vivianna. Her surviving siblings are Colleen Harrington (Katy, TX), Marjorie Hylle (Hot Springs, SD) and Pat O'Brien (Hot Springs, SD).

All who knew her would agree that Kathy lived her life and was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Kathryn Cecelia O'Brien did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.

"A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others." - The Tin Man, Wizard of Oz

A funeral mass at mater dei catholic church for Kathryn will be held Thursday, July 7, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Mater Dei Catholic Church, 1571 Magdalena Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91913. A graveside service will occur Thursday, July 7, 2022 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902. A celebration of life reception at glen abbey's orchid pavilion will occur Thursday, July 7, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.glenabbeysandiego.net for the Obrien family.