Obituary of Kathleen M. O'Brien

Kathleen O’Brien, (you probably knew her as OB), entered eternal life peacefully on February 10, 2021 at the young age of 69, surrounded by loved ones. Her spirit and legacy is carried on by her sisters, Shelley O’Brien and Maureen Niestemski, her two nephews, Trevor Niestemski and Kyle O’Brien and his wife Kynia O’Brien. She is also survived by her most recent joys in life, two great-nephews Paxton and Hudson O’Brien and her great-niece, Harper O’Brien.

She was born to John and Jane Shelley O’Brien on August 8th, 1951 and lived the majority of her life in Bridgeport. After high school she earned a degree in sociology from Emmanuel College, a graduate degree in nursing from Pace University, and a graduate degree in Gerontological Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University. She spent her early career as a mental health nurse and nursing director in both CT and NY and dedicated the majority of her work life as a Senior Gerontologist for MetLife as an advocate who raised awareness of issues related to aging.

OB led a selfless life and thrived on contributing to the happiness of anyone who was blessed to cross paths with her. OB loved spending time creating excessive, yet delicious “Saturday Night Dinners” for her family, volunteering at First Church Congregational, and planning detailed and exciting itineraries for she and her dear friends that she traveled with. OB was a huge Red Sox fan and enjoyed being a part of a book club and card group. As one of the most generous spirits you would meet, her loved ones will always remember her for going to the ends of the world to make occasions special, even if it meant making countless stops to buy everyone’s favorite foods, to get special toys for kids, and to chase after rare collectors’ items. OB found great joy in planning memorable family experiences, including trips into New York City to see Broadway shows and museums and to eat at top-rated restaurants. In addition to her goodwill, OB was an altruistic teacher in many ways and taught us to lead a life filled with integrity, compassion, and kindness. She will be painfully missed.

Losing OB is a profound loss to this world in which she left a remarkable impression. However, her work here is not done. Anyone lucky enough to know OB understands her contagious nature to do good for others. In lieu of flowers, please consider doing an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness in her name, and continue to lead your life by her example.  Donations can be made in her name to the CT Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association or the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD).  

A walk-through visitation will take place Wednesday, February 17, 2021 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. Face masks and social distancing will be required as guests walk through, pay their respects and then exit the building to allow others the same opportunity. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. A mass to celebrate OB’s life will be announced at a later date.