O'BRIEN, MARY E. - After a period of failing health, Mary Elizabeth (Frauley) O'Brien died early Friday morning, January 9, 2009 at the Saint John Regional Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born in Saint John on May 7, 1926, to J. Harry and Katherine (MacIsaac) Frauley. Except for a short period in St. George, she spent her life in Saint John. Mary attended St. Vincent's High School and Vocational School, where she completed her Business Course. Over the span of her working career, she was employed by Wilson Motors, DeForest Wholesalers, and the CPR, from whose employ she retired in order to raise her family. Education was very important to Mary and she attained an important goal when she received her GED. She then enrolled as a mature student at UNBSJ. In 1997 at the age of 71, her family celebrated with her as she proudly accepted her B.A. degree. In recent years, Mary attended Saint Rose of Lima Church. Earlier, she was a member of Assumption Church and participated in the choir. She was a member of the Irish Canadian Cultural Organization and for many years she belonged to the Saint John Art Club. A highlight for Mary was studying painting with Robert Percival. She also found great enjoyment in taking photographs. Mary was an avid reader and loved to travel. Family trips to Old Orchard Beach, and a holiday in Hawaii in 1977, held particularly fond memories for her. Mary enjoyed gardening, and in the summer took great pleasure in Sunday afternoon visits to the Pumpkin Patch to look at the flowers. She is survived by her children, David O'Brien (Linda), Susan Galley (Carl), Christine O'Brien; and their father George, all of Saint John. She is also survived by brothers, Douglas (Helen) and Joseph, both of Saint John, Ronald (Barbara) of Ottawa and John (Fran) of Sarnia; her sisters, Katherine of Vancouver, Theresa, Madeline; and sister-in-law, Mary (Ebby), all of Saint John. Also surviving Mary are several cousins, nieces and nephews and many other members of the Frauley and O'Brien families. Mary was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Merlin; and her infant son, Michael. Resting at Castle Funeral Home, "Fallsview Chapel", 309 Lancaster Avenue, Saint John West, (634-1701), visitation will be on Saturday, January 10, 2009 from 7-9 pm and Sunday, January 11, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The funeral will be held on Monday, January 12, 2009 at 12:15 pm from St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, with Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to the charity of your choice.