Consuelo K. O'Brien

Consuelo “Connie “ O’Brien was a caring wife, mother, nana, sister, and loyal friend. She passed away peacefully at her home on May 16, 2021 after a long illness at the age of 89. Her final days were spent surrounded by her loving family and friends and enjoying her beautiful roses which she loved so much.

She was born to Joseph and Consuelo Foster on January 12, 1932 in Freeport Long Island, New York. The family relocated to Springfield, Ohio and finally settled in San Jose, California. Connie was a longtime resident of Santa Clara and parishioner of St. Claire’s Church for almost 60 years. She was a graduate of Notre Dame High School and attended San Jose State University.

Her beloved husband, James O’Brien was by her side for 58 years. Always a busy and devoted mother with a bustling household, she and Jim raised 6 children, and had 12 grandchildren and one great granddaughter. As Connie always said, “raising her children was the biggest accomplishment of her life”. In later years she was able to carve out a little time for herself traveling to Alaska, Europe, and countless summers at Lake Tahoe and the beach. She volunteered and found friendship at the Thrift Box in Willow Glen which benefits Stanford Children’s hospital.

Her Catholic faith was important to her, she spent many hours volunteering at St. Claire’s School and in later years served as a Eucharistic minister delivering communion to the residents at Mission Convalescent.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Connie, a walk on the beach, holidays with family, lunches with her Notre Dame pals, sitting in her garden, the companionship of her dogs. She was a woman of quiet understated grace and beauty who warmly welcomed anyone who entered her home.

She is survived by her sister Kathy Thomas (Don), and brother Edward Foster. Her 6 children: Michael O’Brien (Georgette), Peggy Whalen (Jeff), Mary Levy, Melissa Callens (Jim), Anne Silveira (Tim), James O’Brien (Michelle), 12 devoted grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

Services are private and will be scheduled for May 25.