Rachel D. O'Brien

Rachel Diane O’Brien, 32, of Kansas City, MO, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2015. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, February 12, 2015, 1:00 p.m., at McGilley Stateline Chapel. The family has set a memorial fund through Special Olympics Missouri – Kansas City Metro to benefit the aquatics and bowling programs. In lieu of flowers, please send your donations c/o Rachel O’Brien 9001 W 67th St. Merriam, KS 66202. Rachel was preceded in death by her father Paul O’Brien. She is survived by her mother Mary Pat Cassidy and fiancé Tony Hall. She is also survived by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and several cousins. Rachel was a music enthusiast, avid reader, animal lover, foodie, and a fierce competitor. To list a few of her favorites: Chubby Carrier and The Bayou Swamp Band, Bruno Mars, swimming, bowling, shopping at Shop Girls, grabbing dinner at BB’s Lawnside, dancing at Knuckleheads, Saturday’s bowling at WP Lanes, enjoying family dinners, and spending time with her many friends and family members. During her more personal time, Rachel enjoyed time spent with a good book or TV show, her pets, mother Mary Pat and her beloved fiancé Tony Hall. Rachel was an active participant of the Missouri Special Olympics beginning in 1990. Rachel loved to swim, bowl, and horse back riding. While attending Center High School, she was a member of the swim team from 1998-2001. During her time on the Center swim team, Rachel was inspired to compete on a much larger scale by representing the 2003 USA Special Olympics team in Ireland. Rachel’s talent, dedication, and accompanied by her mother Mary Pat’s encouragement, she was awarded 4 Silver medals. In 2005, she was awarded the WIN KC DST Systems Physically Challenged Athlete of the year award. In 2006, she competed in the SOMO Nationals and was awarded 3 Gold medals. In 2008, she traveled to Portugal and was awarded both Silver and Bronze medals. Regarding bowling, her highest score was a 198. Rachel liked to WIN and that is exactly what she did. Rachel accomplished more in her 32 years of life then most adults will accomplish in an entire lifetime. She will be dearly missed and remembered by all who had the privilege of encountering her smile, hug, or a funny wisecrack. We love you Rachel!