Shirley Patricia O'Brien

March 8, 1928 - April 13, 2023

Shirley O’Brien died Thursday, April 13, 2023, in New Braunfels, Texas, with her youngest daughter, Colleen, at her side. In the months before her passing, her children and her grandchildren were a constant, and they were able to celebrate her 95th birthday together in March.

Shirley, the daughter of Catherine and Henry Hogan, was born on March 8, 1928, in Houston, Texas. She graduated from Incarnate Word Academy and the University of Houston, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Shirley was a devoted Catholic who attended St. Cecilia Catholic Church.

After the death of her husband, Martin in 1981, Shirley became the matriarch of her large and loving family. She successfully took over managing the family’s business and continued to host social events and family functions. During her lifetime, she was a member of Catholic Charities, Fonn Villas Garden Club, St. Cecilia Women’s Club, and a sewing club, which made blankets and dresses for unwed mothers.

In her later years, she loved to stay at her house in New Braunfels, where her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren visited and enjoyed watching and feeding the many deer. She particularly treasured the last several years living with her daughter, Shannon, and son-in-law, Jeff, who became her complete caregivers.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Catherine and Henry Hogan; husband, Martin; siblings, Henry Hogan Jr., Jerry Hogan, and Margaret Kiber; and son-in-law, Ray Rivas. She is survived by her children, Marty O’Brien and wife, Pat, of Houston; Greg O’Brien and wife, Cindy, of Houston; Shannon Hall and husband, Jeff, of Katy; Colleen Rivas of New Braunfels; and her brother, Ronnie Hogan and wife, Beverly, of Atlanta.

Affectionately known as “Nano” and “Nonee,” Shirley is also survived by her ten grandchildren: Kathleen Maddux and husband, Mike; Jennifer O’Brien; Michael O’Brien and wife, Erin; Elizabeth Peterson and husband, Daniel; Benjamin O’Brien and wife, Brittany; Brian Rivas; Blair Griffith and husband, Logan; Erin Nance and husband, Ty; Kimberly Nash and husband, Marty; Travis Hall and wife, Arielle; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Shirley’s family adored her and will greatly miss her sense of humor and infectious laugh. She will rest alongside her husband in Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston, Texas.