Ida F. O'Brien

Born in New Bedford on January 23, 1928, Ida moved to Canada as an infant and returned to New Bedford in her early teens. She lived a long and meaningful life marked by resilience, devotion to family, and a genuine joy in life's simple pleasures.

Ida was a committed mother who took immense pride in her family, and cherished every moment spent with them. She faithfully attended her family’s athletic events, enthusiastically cheering from the sidelines. She was equally delighted to sit in the audience and watch them perform on stage, observing their talents in theater productions. Regardless of the event, she would always be there as a supportive family member, celebrating their many accomplishments.

She had a passion for preparing the traditional foods of her heritage, including French meat pie, gorton, and baked beans. Her kitchen was often a gathering place where family traditions were shared and memories were made.

Ida will especially be remembered for the summers she spent at Mary’s Pond with her family and friends, a place that brought her endless happiness for 55 years. There, she filled her days playing Scrabble and card games, sharing laughs with others, and orchestrating her beloved potluck gatherings. She had a remarkable gift for bringing people together and making everyone feel at home.

She was well known for her love of playing Pitch with her dear friends. The games were filled with friendly competition, laughter, and companionship; creating friendships that lasted a lifetime. Whether it was organizing a card game, playing bingo, scratching lottery tickets, or taking impromptu road trips to Foxwoods, Ida embraced life with energy, spontaneity, and her signature feisty spirit.

She is survived by her children, Patricia Tode and her husband, Raymond, of Exeter, NH; Elizabeth Asack and her husband, Thomas, of South Dennis; Brenda Pierce and her husband, Scott, of Rochester; James O’Brien and his wife, Pauline, of Rochester; and Karen Roderick-Bates and her husband, Michael, of Acushnet. She also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her tremendous joy.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph L. O’Brien, whom she was married to for 62 years.

Ida’s love, strength, and unwavering dedication to her family will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

May the memory of Ida bring comfort to those who mourn her passing.

Her Mass of Christian of Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 10:00AM in St. Gabriel the Archangel, 343 Tarkiln Hill Rd., New Bedford, MA 02745. Relatives and friends are invited. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 30, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00PM in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745. Burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery. To leave a note of condolence: www.rock-funeralhome.com