Sheila Frances (Flaherty) O'Brien

Sheila Frances O’Brien passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, the 9th of November. She was 93 years of age. In the days leading up to her passing, Sheila, surrounded by her 5 children and other family members, shared her love and wisdom with the same sense of humor, joy and faith that guided her life. She spoke often of her assured hope of reuniting with her beloved husband Bill and so many others, she had an unshakable faith that inspired everyone around her.

Born in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York to Margaret and Francis Flaherty, Sheila was the third of four sisters. From the start she embraced family, friendship, faith, and adventure. As a young woman she traveled abroad with her parents and sisters—including London and Europe in 1949, where they were granted a private audience with Pope Pius XII. She attended Visitation Academy in Bay Ridge and graduated from Fontbonne Hall Academy (1949). Sheila earned her B.A. from the College of Saint Elizabeth (1953) and her M.A. from New York University’s School of Education (1955).

Sheila loved telling the story of meeting the love of her life, Bill O’Brien, on the New York City subway and how, when Bill called to ask her out, she had previous plans for the 3 days he suggested. Not wanting the opportunity to pass, she said “but I am free on Friday night” to which Bill said he was busy. Sheila had been praying for the perfect husband, which may have been the catalyst behind her decision to drive to Bill’s parish for Mass when home from college and offering Bill a ride home. This began their courtship and what a beautiful life it led to.

Bill & Sheila were married on the 26th of December 1955 and soon experienced the joy of raising a family. As their family grew in their one-bedroom Brooklyn apartment, Bill and Sheila made room by moving to the pull-out sofa in the living room and giving the bedroom to their children. She liked to joke that, sleeping on the pull-out in the living room, she went to bed every night with Ed Sullivan, which would raise an eyebrow if she wasn’t so innocent. In 1962 they moved to Glen Rock, NJ, and in 1966 to Tripoli, Libya with four young children—an adventure that became a treasured chapter of family lore. During the Six-Day War in June 1967, Sheila courageously evacuated with the children and later rejoined Bill to continue their overseas life. Bill’s career subsequently took them to Allendale, NJ; Houston, TX; Ridgewood, NJ; and Dallas, TX. Wherever they lived, Sheila made fast friends and served as the family’s joyful anchor.

After her dear sister Pat Quinn passed away in 1982, Sheila resolved to keep the family close. Beginning in 1983, biennial reunions at Bill and Sheila’s Westhampton Beach summer home became a cherished tradition. The most recent gathering, in August 2025, brought 69 family members, age 8 months to 93, together for the 3-day event. When the family band struck up on the back porch, Sheila was right at the center of the dance floor—celebrating faith, life, and the family she loved. Four generations now feel that closeness because of her and her incredible gift of hospitality.

Sheila will be remembered for her faith, joy, laughter, quick wit, positive attitude, never taking herself too seriously, her grace in the face of challenges, her radiant beauty—inside and out—and her gift for storytelling, and making everyone feel seen and loved.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill O’Brien; her parents, Francis and Margaret Flaherty; and her sisters Pat Quinn and Maureen Ross. She is survived by her sister Elizabeth Kerner; her children Cathy Douglas (Larry), Bill O’Brien (Karyn), Scott O’Brien (Linda), Elizabeth O’Brien (Jacob Brown), and Carolyn Foley (Jamie); her grandchildren Kristen Williams (Stan), Megan Shipley (Brian), Michael O’Brien, Josh O’Brien (Bam), Sean O’Brien (Megan), Peter O’Brien (Taylor), Jonathon O’Brien (Montana), Caitlyn Foley, Charlie Foley, and Teddy Foley; and her eight great-grandchildren.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until eight o’clock in the evening on Sunday, the 23rd of November, in the grand foyer and Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A Funeral Mass is to be offered at ten o’clock in the morning on Monday, the 24th day of November, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road in Houston, where Fr. Peter Wood, Parochial Vicar is to officiate.

For those unable to attend, virtual attendance may be accessed by selecting the ‘Join Livestream’ icon in the ‘Services’ section below.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the Parish Life Center.

The family will gather for burial service in Westhampton Beach, New York, in summer 2026.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to The Brookwood Community by selecting the link under the ‘Donations’ section below.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with her family by selecting the ‘Add a Memory’ icon under 'Show your Support' below.