Obituary of Mary J. O'Brien

Passed away peacefully January 30, 2018. She was born on December 1, 1926 in Hornell, NY to the late Beatrice and Everett Porter. Mary was predeceased by her brother, Everett (Bud) Porter, sister, Betty Lisiecki, her husband, J. Paul O'Brien, brother-in-law, Rev. Bartholomew J. O'Brien, and son, Mark Brendan O'Brien. Mary is survived by her children: Patricia O'Brien Sansone and her husband Robert, Rochester, NY, Joseph and Karen O'Brien, Wadsworth, IL, Kevin J. O'Brien, St. Paul, MN, David and Amy O'Brien, Atlanta, GA, Maureen Sheehan O'Brien, Lexington, KY, Maureen Abbie O'Brien, Bethlehem, PA, and Mary Beth O'Brien, Chicago, IL. "Gigi" will be greatly missed by her 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren with more on the way. She will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, very dear neighbors and friends. This past summer Mary and her classmates including her longtime buddy, Donna Painter of Hughesville, PA, celebrated the 70th anniversary of their graduation from Robert Packer Hospital and Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. They were honored with a special proclamation presented to them by Brigadier General Francis L. Hendricks, USAF and President of Mansfield University. As part of the Class '47 these women were crucial in their efforts to treat and rehabilitate soldiers during World War II, as members of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps. Mary embraced life with joy and grace. She was a devout Catholic, cherished her family and was a loving mother and wife. Mary loved all things Irish – the music, the dance and most of all her beloved Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Mom attended her 45th annual Notre Dame Football game this past fall in South Bend. Mom will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery at a private family gathering. Memorials can be sent to Notre Dame High School, 1400 Maple Ave, Elmira, NY 14904 or via www.notredamehighschool.com, click make a donation, select Honors & Memorials.