Lucy "Lucia" Bednarski O'Brien

Lucy (Lucia) Bednarski O’Brien was born in Poland, March 31, 1938, to Wladyslawa (Gladys) Bednarski and Ferdinand Bednarski. She departed this world on December 4, 2020, in Round Rock, Texas. She is preceded in death by her husband, Tillman David O’Brien, Jr.; her parents, Gladys and Ferdinand Bednarski; her sister, Julie Bednarski; In-laws T.D. and Willie Mae O'Brien Sr.; Joe and Lonie Tucker; and her beloved sister-in-law, Nancy Bednarski. She is survived by her children, Tillman David O’Brien III (Donna) and Kelli O’Brien Copeland (Chris). She leaves behind two grandchildren, Sydni O’Brien Burns (Drew) and Tillman David O’Brien IV, and two great-grandchildren, Effie Smith Burns and George Tucker Burns. She is also survived by special friend, Tony Tovar, and his family.

Lucy and her family were living in Poland during the Soviet and German invasion in 1939. Following the war, the Bednarski family sought refuge in the United States. Sponsored by the Catholic Church, they relocated to Smithville, Texas. From there, they eventually moved to Austin, Texas, where Lucy graduated from Travis High School. It was in Austin, Texas, that Lucy met her husband Tillman David O’Brien, Jr. who was playing football for the University of Texas. They married on October 29th, 1959 and moved to Baytown, Texas, where they reared their children and worked in the family grocery business.

Lucy embraced her husband’s hometown, and the two became leaders in the community. They were supporters of the Baytown Youth Fair and Rodeo, often having hay rides for the group at their home on Bush Road. Their love for the Texas Longhorns led to their involvement in the Baytown chapter of the Texas Exes, and they spent many Saturdays cheering on their beloved Longhorns with family and friends. Lucy served her community in the Baytown Service League, and both she and Tillman were active members of the Goose Creek Country Club and the YMCA of Baytown. Her home on Bayou Boulevard was a source of pride for her, and she carefully decorated it with furniture and accessories gathered from the family’s many trips to Mexico. Lucy’s home was a venue for many large parties and gatherings. When Kelli was a member of the Baytown Sterling Stars, she hosted the entire drill team for a swimming party.

Lucy’s natural beauty and vivacious personality drew others to her. She could walk into a room, and people would flock to her. She had an infectious laugh and loved to make others laugh with her. After her children were in school, Lucy became passionate about fitness and could often be found running in area “fun runs” or participating in aerobics classes at the YMCA. Whatever she pursued, she did it with great enthusiasm.

Whether it was hunting with friends in the Hill Country or at the family ranch in South Texas, Lucy embraced her husband’s passions. Lucy was a ready participant when Tillman decided to renovate an old shrimp boat into a trawler. Lucy brought her father down to Kemah to customize the interior, and she spent the summer with her children helping to prepare the boat for its maiden voyage. The boat was aptly named the Miz Lucy. The O’Briens cruised the intracoastal canal that summer, fishing for their dinner and learning to tie nautical knots. Lucy and Tillman loved spending time in Cozumel, and the family spent many summers and holidays fishing in the Caribbean and exploring Mayan ruins. Lucy loved to host her girlfriends at her home in Cozumel, and many will remember the fun times that they spent with her there.

Cooking for others gave her great joy. She always cooked enough to feed an army, and everyone was encouraged to make another plate. Her fried quail with homemade biscuits and gravy were unmatched, and she could make a homemade salsa that rivaled any Mexican restaurant. She would often send home leftovers with those who had graced her table.

After the death of her husband in 1985, Lucy returned to her hometown of Austin to be closer to her mother and her daughter. She loved the Hill Country and felt at home in Austin, where most of her family still lived. She rescued several dogs over the years and the company of her pets brought her solace. She was very proud of her grandchildren and enjoyed their phone calls and visits. She was blessed to have met her new great-grandson via FaceTime, who was born only a few weeks prior to her death.

A Memorial Service to commemorate Lucy’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Weed- Corley-Fish in Austin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to All Texas Dachshund Rescue.