Thinking about the Obrians on this New year. They really are the best people, friends, and Neighbor's anyone could of had. It was a pleasure for the Schrier family to have them in our lives for decades. Thinking about you Mr&Mrs Obrian. I hope all is well in this life and the next. We love y’all.

Your presence, in person, virtually, or in spirit created special days and lasting memories as we together mourned Mary Ellen’s departure and celebrated her life and that she is now with our Lord. We thank you all for your continued love and support.  Not just at this time but throughout our lives.  Mary Ellen had a way of bringing special people like you into our lives.  We’re grateful that each of you remain part of our family and part of her legacy.  

As you know, conditions limited our ability to reminisce and celebrate Mary Ellen’s life with many of you in person.  With that, we’re planning to have a Celebration Mass and a gathering after (call it a special Tea), as soon as conditions permit.  We’ll remain connected with you and look forward to seeing you.

With love, the O’Brien Family


My Aunt Mary Ellen was clearly the brightest flower in the bouquet that is our family.  She joined the family when she married my Uncle Jackie and immediately became my favorite relative.  She recognized my love and skill in art and encouraged me to pursue it in my life and career.  She also taught me that art is not just something you do, it is who you are.  And she led by example every day.  Her love and good spirit was contagious and comforting.  I know that the angels are having a grand time as she enjoys giving her tea parties in heaven.

Dear  , Mrs Mary O'Brien, We have lost a true treasure, I have always known her as a wonderful, thoughtful  neighbor and friend . Seeing her outside walking  her precious fur baby ,  always with a smile and warm conversation. We will all miss her deeply and our thoughts will be with compassion , And condolences . Our thoughts of love go out to John and their daughters. Her smile and warmth will be missed , but not forgotten.  

     I first met Mrs. O'Brien at a 
Tea Party for her Birthday
Party that Maureen celebrated with her friends and family.
     I had never met her before ,so, I walked up to her and introduced myself to wish her a "Happy Birthday" & she hugged me .
     I will never forget her beautiful smile with the happiness of the Celebration!

The world has lost a beautiful soul. Mary Ellen made such an impact on so many lives.  She was such a passionate person who shared her love and talent of art with everyone she came in contact with. I have such great memories of her at Morning Star as well as her yearly “tea party” get-togethers. I will always think of her when I see her artwork at MSS, as well as a beautiful pillow she made and gifted me. I am so blessed to have known her. Prayers for John and all her loved ones. May you find peace in knowing how many lives she touched during her time with us.💗

Dear John, Maureen, Caroline and Kathleen, we are so sorry for your great loss.  Indeed it is our great loss as well.
 
Mary Ellen’s voice for the Arts and John’s instruction in wood working added richness and a sense of joy to the Morning Star curriculum. Our girls and boys learned lessons and experiences that will stay with them their entire lives.

We will always value and cherish the memories of our experiences with the O’Briens.  Love, Suzanne and Bill Lorenzen

Abruptly arriving in America back in 1976, from a war torn Vietnam,  Mrs O'Brien embraced my being and showed me there was hope and maybe a chance to have a new beginning.  Without a word of English on my tongue, she went beyond her role as my second grade teacher and filled my emptiness.  Of course, it  wasn't easy for me and especially for her.  She singlehandedly reached into a broken child's heart and showed me through art, we could communicate with each other and beyond.  I did believe in her and I went beyond the fence of MHR school yard,  on to graduate school and taught art at a university level here in America and abroad.

Already, I misses her squeezes my fingers as I received my Sunday communion from her.  Along with Mr O'brien, they both are God's earth living angels.  In church and school events like the carnivals, they spotted me out from the distance and make me feel Gods loves and welcome in a culture that still most foreign to me.  

Mrs O'brien was extra special and her role on earth was for her family, for her faith and for everyone she touched including a strange kid from a strange land like me.  I am forever grateful and loved because of her.  My deepest condolences and a personal Thank You to her Family.  

Loved all the years of having Mary Ellen teaching art to our students at Morning Star School.  How the teachers and students loved her.

Mary Ellen, I feel so blessed to have known and worked with you at Morning Star. I always loved your stories and I will miss you very much ❤️

😢Mary Ellen inspired so many to find the hidden artist within. She was so talented. She and John are always in my prayers. I will miss her so much. 💔

Mr. O’Brien and girls my heart aches for your loss. I remember her sweet laugh and giving spirit. I remember having art class at MHR. I remember babysitting you girls too. I will keep you in my prayers. 

May God wrapped you in His grace and give you peace.

Mariann Genaw Williams

Mrs. O’Brien was the brightest person at church. She always carried herself with flair and unforgettable character. She painted us a picture for our wedding day, and it is so colorful and full of joy. She always had a smile and wave for me and my family as we passed by her pew (they always sat in the same spot in church, and we were always a few pews up and on the left). I will miss seeing her and seeing the bright brooches/accessories that she loved to wear. 

Though we didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Mrs.  Mary Ellen in person, we “knew” her through the spirit, strength, and impact of her offspring.  May her light forever shine through the O’Brien family.  May you be covered in heavenly comfort, beautiful memories, and peace. 

Love, The Mainors

Mary Ellen was a wonderful, caring wife and person. Always worrying about others before herself. Her smile and bubbly personality when she came to visit was contagious. I consider her family and will cherish her forever. Thanks to the Obrien  family for bringing her into my life. 

“Dear Kathleen and Family, 

The world is a much poorer place with Mary Ellen's passing. I am sorry I cannot be there in person to support you in this heartbreaking time, but please know you are in my thoughts, and I send love and wishes that you may find peace. Please remember that your mother lives on in you, and living your life to its fullest will always honor her memory. 

With deepest condolences and love.”

OBITUARY

Mary Ellen Christina O'Brien

November 15, 1928 – June 4, 2020

Blount & Curry Funeral Home-Carrollwood

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