Mary Parnell O'Brien

Parnell passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 27, 2008, at her home. Born in Ocala, Fla., on Aug. 31, 1920, she was a longtime resident of Baton Rouge. An avid gardener and cook, she was also a member of Zeta Tau Alpha fraternity, Que Sera Social Club and served as a Campfire/Girl Scout leader while her daughters were growing up. She was also proud of her work with the War Department during World War II, where she met her husband. She is survived by her daughters, Allyson Cunningham and husband Tommy, Baton Rouge, and Shawn Hagen, Kilgore, Texas; grandchildren, David Cunningham and wife Andie, Shelburne, Vt., Shannon Saunier and husband Beau, Baton Rouge, Shane Hagen and wife Trina, Longview, Texas, and Caleb Hagen, Kilgore; as well as four wonderful and beloved great-grandchildren, Tobie and Owen Cunningham, Mallory Saunier and Karleigh Hagen. Preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Jack O'Brien; brothers, R.B. Ward Jr. and Frederick R. Ward; and parents, Melvina Mikell and Raleigh Bernard Ward. Special thanks to Hospice of Baton Rouge and caregivers, Ceola, Cathy, Carol, Kimberly and Kathryn. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Wednesday, July 30, was from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitation resumes at the funeral home chapel on Thursday from 9 a.m. until service at 10 a.m., conducted by the Rev. R. Brien Koehler. Burial in Greenoaks Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Hospice of Baton Rouge, 9063 Siegen Lane, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 or St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 8833 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806.