Lynda O'Brien

She was a supportive and loving wife to Pat O’Brien, and mother to 3 sons Michael, Matthew, and Mitchell. Lynda was thrilled when her daughter-in-law Abby joined the family, and they quickly formed an unbreakable bond. She later became the world’s best “Mimi” to her 2 grandchildren Griffin and Jude.

She passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on September 25, 2023.

It is impossible to describe such a special person in a few words, especially someone who was such a big fan of words. She had the gift of gab, and many people have fond memories talking with her for hours on the phone while she drank coffee and birdwatched from her bay window. Her laugh (and squeals) were contagious, and she never met a stranger.

Lynda ran the house, hunted for antiques, gardened and sunbathed by day - waiting for her children to get home from school. Friday nights were movie nights. The O’Briens watched nearly every movie from the local video store. She always squeezed peoples’ arms during the scary parts.

Her amazing imagination and love for antiques motivated her to create folk art bird sculptures and beeswax figurines that she gifted and sold. While Lynda had many hobbies, she was also genuinely interested in the passions of others. If you mentioned you liked a certain plant, Lynda would buy you five and a book about how to care for them.

Lynda went above and beyond to make every holiday and birthday special, and was just as excited as the kids to celebrate. The O’Brien house was the spookiest on the street every Halloween, and Lynda took great joy dressing up and scaring the neighborhood kids. If you wanted a present, she would find it. She once made Pat drive 5 hours across Canada for a Beanie Baby.

Pat and Lynda wintered in the Florida Keys where she developed a passion for deep sea fishing. In 2020 they moved to Grandview Heights, where the family enjoyed more quality time with each other. Lynda was the number one fan on the sidelines at her grandsons’ sporting events, and cherished sleepovers and snuggling.

Lynda left a lasting impression on every person she met, and the world is a better place because she was here. We love you Lynda. “Love you and the sky above you.”