Elizabeth "Liz" Scanlan O’Brien, a long-time Falls Church, VA resident, died January 12, 2019 from complications related to the flu and pneumonia. She suffered poor health for a number of years. Her refusal to complain and her positive attitude inspired admiration among her relatives, friends, and health care professionals. Elizabeth was born July 25, 1944 to Frank (Pancho) Scanlan and Miriam Lunney Scanlan in Mexico City, where her father worked as a Transportation Attaché at the U.S. Embassy.
The family returned to the United States in 1951 and settled in the Washington area where Liz attended John Burroughs and C.U. Campus grammar schools. She graduated from Regina High School and St. Francis College in Loretto, PA. At St. Francis, the student body selected her for the “Ms. Frankie” Award, the college’s highest award given each year to the most outstanding female student in terms of scholarship, leadership, and personality.
In her professional career, she worked for the McCarthy for President 1968 Campaign, then as The New Republic magazine’s circulation manager, and was Marketing Director for the Atlantic List Company.
Her husband, Daniel Joseph O’Brien died in 2001 after 26 years of marriage. Among her survivors are her daughter, Kathleen (Katie) Miriam O’Brien of Falls Church, her brother Francis (Paco) Scanlan (Piedad) of New Orleans, her brother-in-law Terry O”Brien (Peg) of Philadelphia, and cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. She was a true Irish extrovert who exuded warmth and loved meeting and talking with people. In addition to her loving relatives, many, many wonderful friends have been left grieving.
The gathering of family and friends will be held from 4pm until 7pm on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at Murphy Funeral Home in Falls Church. The Memorial Mass will be at 10am on Monday, January 21, 2019 at St. James Catholic Church, 905 Park Avenue in Falls Church.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18