Mary Jane O'Brien

In Loving memory of Mary Jane (Casey) O’Brien who went joyfully to our Lord on August 16, 2023 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family. Mary Jane was the devoted wife of the late James J. O’Brien with whom she shared 44 years of marriage. She was the cherished Mother of James A. O’Brien, Sharon Milligan (Mark), Maureen Baldassano (Gus) and Kathleen Lonergan (Brian). Mary Jane is survived also by grandchildren Marisa, Mark, Noelle, Sarah, Kathleen, Candace, Brooke, Brianna and Amanda as well as great-grandchildren Rose, Colton, Sean and Maeve. Mary Jane or “Grammy Bear” will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Born on November 30, 1932, in Wilkes-Barre, PA she was the daughter of Walter and Mary D. Casey. She was predeceased by her brother Terrence W. Casey.

Mary Jane grew up in the Wilkes-Barre area where many in her family resided. Mother became a registered nurse and thus began her lifetime of caring for others. She was a beautiful pianist, and she often would play for the family. After marrying the love of her life, Dad and she moved to Philadelphia to begin their new life there. Our home was a place of love and acceptance. Mom was active in her local parish of St. Paul’s and had made many close friends there whom she cherished. At age 70, she accomplished a major life achievement by climbing the 1,117 foot, Cross Mountain (Mount Krizevac) in Medjugorje, as a Pilgrimage of her faith journey to pray for her family and peace. Mother called herself a “joy germ” as she made everyone around her feel happy. She had a sharp wit and was very funny. Often she was compared to Lucille Ball with how silly she could be! Mom chose to live her last 10 years in NJ with her youngest daughter Kate and her family where she continued her loving and caregiving role.

Our Mother was a kind, caring and giving person who always put the needs of her own family before her own. Mary Jane was a strong woman who faced every challenge in her life with courage, dignity, prayer and humor. Our Mother was a source of inspiration and faith for us all and will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched. She was a true role model who we will always look up to with her steadfast faith, hope and love.

Family and friends may call on Friday, September 1, 2023, at Visitation BVM Church, 196 N. Trooper Rd., Trooper, PA. Visitation will be 9:30AM-11AM followed by Mass at 11AM, Christian Burial will be celebrated immediately following Mass at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, 2300 Dekalb Pike, Norristown, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be given to EWTN (The Eternal Word Television Network) which was a source of inspiration and support for Mary Jane throughout her life.