Madeline Jane O'Brien

Madeline Jane O’Brien, 96, of Williamsburg, died Saturday, April 1, 2023, after a long illness. Madeline was born August 19, 1926, in Detroit, MI, to John and Ada (De Longa) Bressanelli, and graduated from Mount Lebanon High School in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1944. She worked as a registered nurse for 25 years, including as the head operating room nurse at Williamsburg Community Hospital and as the school nurse at Bruton Heights Elementary School, where she founded a clothing bank for the students. Madeline was a longtime member of St. Olaf Catholic Church in Norge, and she was instrumental in bringing the Cursillo movement to the Peninsula. Madeline was known for her bright smile and big hugs, and she will be terribly missed. Madeline was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 57 years, Patrick J. O’Brien, Jr.; her son, Dennis O’Brien; her parents, John and Ada Bressanelli; and three siblings, John Bressanelli, Jr., James Bressanelli, and Betty Migliorini. She is survived by her children, Christine O’Brien, Kathleen Evans (Mark), and Patrick M. O’Brien (Debra); five grandchildren, Patrick J. O’Brien III (Michelle), Jeremiah O’Brien (Rachel), Colleen Roberts (Steven), Bethany Evans, and Christian Evans (Megan); seven great-grandchildren; her brothers, Jerome Bressanelli (Donette) and Eugene Bressanelli (Janet); and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 104 Norge Ln, Williamsburg, VA 23188. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Olaf Catholic Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.