Obituary of Ann S. O'Brien

age 82, of Hoffman St., Elmira, NY was called suddenly to be with her Lord on January 5, 2017. Ann was born and lived almost all her life in Elmira, NY. She graduated from Elmira College and became an elementary school teacher for three decades. Many of her students, after having grown into adults, remembered her as their favorite. She was a kind, loving and compassionate woman, who saw the good in everyone. In her younger years, she loved to sing and dance. That joy was infectious. After retirement, she loved to volunteer at the Women's Health Center, and the Chemung County Trolley Tours. She was a voracious reader, and enjoyed knitting blankets for disabled vet organizations. Ann was predeceased by her parents, Helen and Edward Sassano, and her husband, John O'Brien III. Ann is survived by her children, Susan Sharif and Susan's husband, Roshan, of Marietta, GA, and David Luellen Jr., and David's husband, Robert Symes, of Hilton Head Island, SC. Also surviving is her beloved granddaughter, Emily Hutto of Dallas, TX, her loving sister and brother in law, Jean and Michael Waters, of Webster, NY, niece and husband, Jennifer and Greg Miller of Fairport, NY, and nephew and wife, Greg and Danielle Waters, of Hoboken, NJ. It should be noted that Ann was very grateful for her friend, Ann Morse and neighbors, Chuck and Teresa Lockner, also of Elmira. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at 11:00 a.m., St. Patrick's Church, followed by interment at St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery. Ann had a big heart and a compassionate soul. She will be greatly missed by her family and all who loved her. They should be comforted by the fact, however, that she received much love in her lifetime, and that the love she gave is eternal.