Jean M. O'Brien

Jean M. (Monarch) O'Brien, age 101, of Somerset, passed away on October 5, 2026 at Clifton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. She was the wife of the late John C. O'Brien. Born in Fall River, she was the daughter of the late Edward C. Monarch and Kathryn L. (Kiley) Monarch.

Mrs. O'Brien was an Elementary School Teacher in Somerset Public Schools until her retirement in 1990. A devout Roman Catholic, Jean was a Communicant of St. Thomas More Church where she served as Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and was active with St. Thomas More Retirees. She was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Thomas More, Our Lady of Fatima Seniors, Catholic Women's Club in Fall River & Somerset, Sacred Hearts Academy Alumni Association, and member of the Teachers Union of Somerset. She was the recipient of the Marian Medal Award by Bishop Cronin. Jean always accepted people for who they were and found goodness in everyone. She also believed in volunteerism as she volunteered at Bishop Stang for over 25 years and at St. Anne’s hospital for over 40 years; she truly loved people and helping others.

Above all, she was a proud and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was her greatest joy and her proudest accomplishment. She loved watching her husband and son Michael coach high school sports and was always there to cheer them on. She never missed an event for her children or grandchildren, whether it was a basketball game, a school play, or any of life’s special moments. She was their biggest supporter, always showing up with love, encouragement, and pride. She really enjoyed getting together with her friends to play dominoes and cribbage. Jean was also an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan.

She is survived by four children, Michael J. O'Brien & his wife Michelle of Cape Coral, FL; Thomas E. O'Brien & his wife Joanie of Shaker Heights, OH; Sheila M. Ferreri & her husband Bill of East Meadow, NY, and Kathleen Mitchell & her partner Doug of Aspen, CO. Cherished Nana of John (Emily), Kayla, Cole, Elle, Christopher, Kiley (Jake), Zach, and Ben. She was also the great-grandmother of Jossie, Mikey, Jace, Mason and Jaiva. She was the sister of the late Edward C. Monarch, Jr. and sister-in-law to the late Arlene Monarch. She also leaves many nieces & nephews.

Her Funeral will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 8:00 AM from the Waring-Sullivan Home at Rose E. Sullivan, 866 County Street, Somerset, followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:00 AM at St. Thomas More Church, 386 Luther Avenue, Somerset. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her honor may be made to Bishop Stang High School, John C. O’Brien Memorial Scholarship Fund. Burial in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Fall River.