Mary Margaret O’Brien, age 98, passed away in her home on September 1, 2024. Mary was strong, vivacious, and bright every moment of her nearly 99 years, and leaves behind her a loving family and a legacy of warmth and faith.
Mary was born in Ligonier, Pennsylvania on October 28, 1925 to parents Michael and Rose M. (Kostic) Krelic. She graduated high school in 1943 and soon after met and married John E. O’Brien in 1949. The couple welcomed four children, Debra, Michelle, John, and Peter. Mary enjoyed a twenty-year career at Tappan after relocating to Mansfield, Ohio, where she worked in the office performing administrative duties. She was a devout parishioner of Resurrection Parish from the very beginning, growing close to her family in Christ.
As a deeply devout Catholic, Mary found comfort and peace in daily prayer and meditation. Although her faith was of immense significance to her, she was also a dedicated and loving mother and grandmother. She found untold joy in her family, tending to them as she tended to her garden–always nurturing and kind. She was always active, and enjoyed spending time bowling and golfing, and was often found traveling with her sister, Kay. A sports enthusiast, Mary was passionate about the Ohio State University football team and all Cleveland sports, especially the Guardians and Browns. In quiet moments, Mary found serenity in the pages of books and deep in prayer.
Mary is held in blessed memory by children Debra K. (John) Wagenhals of Florida, John E. (Kimberley) O’Brien of Connecticut, and Peter J. O’Brien of Mansfield; grandchildren Dawn (Rob) Kamen, Suzie (John) Rose, Chad (Jennifer) Peace, Sarah (Brian) Davis, Chelsey (Hans) Lugus, and Roger Hartzler; great-grandchildren Jonathan Banks, Haley Banks, Sam Banks, Kylie Peace, Ashley Peace, Natalie Peace, Ian Paice Kamen, Ivy Morgana Kamen, River Davis, Saylor Davis, Banks Davis, and Otto Lugus; great-great-grandchild Theodore Ramirez; sister Kay Corna; and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents Michael and Rose Krelic, husband John, and daughter Michelle Atkins.
Mary’s family invites loved ones to join them for Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish with an hour of visitation before, date and time forthcoming. Burial and private graveside service in Pennsylvania will follow.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to oversee Mary’s arrangements and care for her family during this time. Visit Mary’s obituary at snyderfuneralhomes.com to share a memory or condolence.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel
Website: snyderfuneralhomes.com