O’BRIEN, MARLENE LILLIAN THERESA - It is with great sadness that the family of Marlene Lillian Theresa O’Brien, spouse of the late Gerard (Gerry) John O’Brien, announces her passing, which occurred at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Friday, July 25, 2014. Born in Saint John on February 12, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Patrick and Kathleen (Driscoll) Darrah. Marlene was a fun-loving lady who thoroughly enjoyed life. From playing bridge “with the girls” and swimming at the YMCA/YWCA, to spending time at the family’s camp in Chapel Grove on the Kingston Peninsula, she was always the life of the party. With her family and friends, she loved to travel, attend parties, dine at Vitos and share coffee at Tim Hortons. She enjoyed spending time with neighbors and friends, but especially her 10 grandchildren who will forever miss her enthusiasm and fun-loving antics – “for she’s a jolly good fellow.” Marlene’s faith in Our Lord has been an integral part of her life. Over the years her faith has guided her, through good and bad times. She drew strength from her religion, and found masses to attend wherever she travelled. Marlene was a member of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) and the Irish Canadian Cultural Association of New Brunswick. Marlene is survived by her children Michael (Sandra) O’Brien of Morrisdale, Cathy (Réjean) O’Brien-Larivée of Saint John, Colleen (Robert) Arsenault of Saint John, Patrick (Patty) O’Brien of Saint John; her 10 grandchildren Caitlin and Meghan O’Brien, Brian and Brittany Arsenault, Natasha and Mélissa Larivée, Sheldon and Madison O’Brien, and Anna and Colin O’Brien; her brothers Patrick (Sheila) Darrah of Saint John, and Michael (Christina) Darrah of Fredericton; and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her husband, and by her son, Gerald (Jerry) John O’Brien.
Resting at Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave., Saint John, NB (634-1701) with visiting on Sunday, July 27, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Monday, July 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Pius X Church on Tuesday, July 29 at 12 p.m. Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Cathedral Restoration Fund, or a charity of the donor’s choice, would be appreciated by the family.