July 15th, 1916 - October 12th, 2014 Age 98 years. With heavy and broken hearts, we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, our Matriarch Margaret Ann (O'Brien) Whalen in her 98th year. She entered into Eternal Rest with her loving Children and Grandchildren by her side. Predeceased by her husband, Henry Whalen on Jan. 26th, 1974. Daughter in law, Gina (Vitale) Whalen, parents Thomas and Susanna (Turner) O'Brien. 3 Brothers and 6 Sisters, Infant Great Grandson Christian Blundon. Leaving to morn with fond and loving memories, her 12 devoted children: Harry (Vange), N.B., George (Rosie), Marg (Kevin) Dunn, Val (Shirley), Elizabeth (Blair) Bickford, Ont. Martha (Sandy) Kavanaugh, N.S., Bill (Linda), Andrew, David (Anne), Agnes (Andrew) Jackman, Stephen (Barb), Ont. Susan (Byron) and special Granddaughter Kimberley Kavanagh who held her during her journey. 32 Grand Children 63 Great Grandchildren 4 Great Great Grandchildren. Also leaving to mourn are her baby sister Alice (Max) Emberley, special nephew Ray (Sadie) O'Brien, special friend Christine (a.k.a. Bernice) Burke and her personal homecare worker and friend, Tracey Moraze. Also many nieces, nephews, and numerous friends, acquaintances and neighbours especially John and Arlene Hann who were always at her beck and call. Her little furry friends Sam (Nan's Boy), Milo (Nan's Baby Boy) and her little feather friend, Betty (Buddy). Resting at Cauls Funeral Home, LeMarchant Road, St. John's. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday and Tuesday, 2-4 and 7-9. A celebration of Mom's wonderful life and Mass of Christian burial will be held on 9:30 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church, Patrick Street, St. John's on Wednesday, October 15, 2014. Interment to follow at the Roman Catholic Cemetery on Bell Island with a reception to follow at her home in Mount Pearl. As Mom dearly loved flowers, they are gratefully accepted or donations in her memory can be made to a charity of your choice. To send a message of condolence or sign the memorial guestbook, please visit www.cauls.com. Special thanks from Mom's family to our Sister Susan, Brother In Law Bryon and Niece Kimberley Kavanagh for the excellent care of our darling Mother and Sue's "Little Lady". No words can express how grateful we are for the loving care and dignity Kimberley gave her Grandmother especially during her last days. You were the "Rock" for your Mom and your Nanny. To Susan and Byron for the 34 years of love and care you provided Mom when you brought her to live with you. Many thanks also to her care giver Tracey for the excellent care these past six months. To Doctor Andrew Hutton, no words could ever express our utmost gratitude for the special care of our darling Mother. Also, to the many health care professionals who visited Mom during her recuperation and especially Nurse, Sharon Nurse with whom many laughs were shared. Mrs. Joan Norris for your excellent help, advise and guidance. Also, many thanks to her Eucharistic Minister, Mrs. Carol Medd for the many visitations to Mom. To Hilda, Shirley and Jean for the many gifts of food for Mom. You made her feel so special. Thanks as well to all who visited while she was ailing, brought gifts of food and comfort. Last, but never least, Father's Sutton of St. Peter's Parish, Father Vargess Devas with St. Clare's Mercy Hospital for the many visits and blessings for our Mother during her brief illness and death. During her long life, she has made many friends which was very evident during her last days. Our Mother has left a "lasting" impression on many people who are too numerous to mention. Nan to many, she was dearly loved and respected and will be terribly missed by all who knew her. Mom was born to Thomas and Susanna (Turner) O'Brien on July 15th, 1916 on Blackmarsh Road, St. John's, NL. She married the love of her life, Henry Whalen of Horse Cove Line on Sept. 5th, 1937. They moved to Bell Island where they raised 12 children. Her darling husband passed away on Jan. 26th, 1974. She moved to St. John's with her daughter Susan and son in law Byron in 1980. Mom was not only a Mother. She was Wife, Mother in law, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Great Great Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Teacher, Doctor, Nurse, Vet and also a Midwife. She played many roles in her wonderful long life but the one we will cherish the most is our loving MOTHER. She suffered many sorrows in her life but the Joy far outweighed any sorrow. She was a proud Mother and delighted for all her Children, Grands and Greats. Mom... If there were medals for Mother's, you WOULD win everyone! She has gone to join her family in heaven and is together again with her loving husband. (Daddy, take care of your Mangie). "To St. Anne, God has given the power to aid in every necessity, because Jesus, her Divine Grandchild according to the flesh, will refuse her no petition, and Mary, her glorious daughter, supports her every request. Those who venerate good St. Anne shall want for nothing, either in this life or the next. ..." Today, a "Golden Heart" stopped beating. No more to sit in our home but FOREVER to be in our Hearts. We will love and miss you forever. Your Loving and Devoted Children, Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, and Great Great Grandchildren.