Barbara O'Brien

Barbara Jane (Moe) O’Brien, 80, of Jensen Beach, FL, loving wife, proud and devoted mother, and friend to many, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on Friday, November 26, 2010. With a keen sense of humor and a zeal for volunteerism, she will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Born November 22, 1930, in Iola, WI, she is the daughter of the late Lawrence Moe and Lillian Waller Moe. She is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Patrick J. O’Brien. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Maureen Gail O’Brien. Surviving are her children Kathleen (O’Brien) D’Andrea of Ann Arbor, MI; Mary (O’Brien) Koger and husband, Dale, of Ashburn, VA; James O’Brien and wife Kristine of Shanghai China; and Cynthia (O’Brien) Marshall of Oviedo, FL. Barbara adored her grandchildren: Rebecca Leach, Philip & Kelly Leach, Michael Leach, Kyle Koger, Alexandra Koger, Kevin O’Brien, Robert O’Brien, Erik Marshall, and Tanner Marshall. She has 5 great- grandchildren, Victoria Volway, Jacob Volway, Mia Kate Jozwiak, Garrett Leach and Donovan Leach. She was the family’s “go to” source for common sense advice and unconditional love. She will be greatly missed by her two surviving sisters and brother-in-laws: Janet (Moe) and Ken Hansen, and Karen (Moe) and Lloyd Tschurwald. She will be fondly remembered by her many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Barbara was an active member of St Robert’s Church in Flushing, MI for many years before moving to Florida. For the past 20 years she was a parishioner at St Martin de Porres Church in Jensen Beach, FL. She was Vice President of the Alliance for the Mentally Ill ( AMI) for several years and served on the State of Florida Advisory Board for the organization. For many years she was the manager of the AMI Thrift Shop in Jensen Beach. The proceeds from the thrift shop provided funding for group homes, independent living homes, and medication coverage for the mentally ill. She served as President of the Columbettes for the Knights of Columbus.

She retired from the Genesee Intermediate Schools in Flint, MI as secretary to the director. Thereafter, she and Patrick moved to the Florida beaches. She loved waking every day to the beautiful view from their home of the “big pond”. Her home was always open to family and friends and there were always fresh baked goods coming out of the oven when loved ones arrived.

Funeral services and a celebration of Barbara’s life will be conducted by Aycock Funeral Home in Jensen Beach, FL. The family will receive friends Tuesday, November 30th, from 10am until 11am at St Martin de Porres Church in Jensen Beach. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am Tuesday following the visitation hour.

The family extends its most sincere gratitude to all of the friends who supported Barbara and Patrick over the years, especially the manager and residents at Oceana I condominiums. We are grateful to Dr. Paul Williamson, all the medical practitioners and staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Orlando Regional Medical Center.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Colon & Rectal Education and Research Institute of Florida, 308 Groveland Street, Orlando, Florida 32804 or to The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Port St Lucie Chapter.

Online condolences may be made to Mrs. O’Brien’s family at www.aycockjensenbeach.com

All arrangements are entrusted to Aycock Funeral Home, Stuart, FL.