Obituary of Mary O'Brien

Mary O’Brien, beloved, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed peacefully away on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at the Private Josiah Squibb Memorial Pavillion, Carbonear at the age of 92 years.  

Predeceased by her parents: Edward and Bridget Sullivan; daughter: Aileen O’Brien-Beaucage; daughter-in-law: Joanne O'Brien; infant daughters: Colleen and Mary-Anne; grandson: Ryley Beaucage; sisters: Alice (Patrick Reddick & William Short) and Geraldine (Gerry) Costello; brother: Joseph (Vivian) Sullivan; brothers-in-law: Paul Otis, Greg McFatridge, Jim Lynch; sister-in-law: Marie Sullivan.

She is lovingly remembered by special granddaughter: Cailey Beaucage of Roanoke, Virginia; sons: Sean O'Brien, Harbour Grace and Erin O'Brien of Toronto, Ontario; grandchildren: Cara Ryan (Colin), Caitlin O’Brien-Dyke (Michael), Seamus (Allison) O'Brien; six great-grandchildren: Harrison, Alexander, Nicholas, Benjamin, Lauren, and Hailey; siblings: Margaret Otis, Gertrude McFatridge, Brendan (Shirley), Edward (Sharon), Francis, and Bride Lynch; also a large number of nieces, nephews, family and friends. 

Born and raised in Riverhead, Harbour Grace, Mary was the second eldest of ten children of Edward and Bridget Sullivan. While she enjoyed her time living in Corner Brook and St. John’s, her heart was always in Riverhead. She eventually settled back at home in "the River," and spent over 20 years as a dedicated employee of Service Canada in Harbour Grace.

Mary will be remembered as a strong and resilient woman. Those who knew her well will fondly remember her sharp wit and dry sense of humor. A woman who lived simply, her greatest joy was found within her family circle.

Mary’s life was defined by a devotion to those she loved. She lovingly raised three children before tragically losing her daughter, Aileen. She then raised her grandchildren, Cailey and Ryley - a testament to her dedication to family.

 In her later years, she cherished being a great-grandmother. She loved nothing more than a cuddle on the couch, making them laugh, and simply being present with them.

The family would like to acknowledge and say thank you to the staff of 3 North at Private Josiah Squibb Memorial Pavillion, Carbonear for the exceptional and loving care they provided in Mary’s last years. 

The family also wishes to express special thanks to Fr. Julius Nwosu and Fr. Emmanuel Osuagwu for their pastoral care to Mom these past few years.

Visitation at Noel’s Funeral Home, Harvey Street, Harbour Grace on Tuesday, February 3 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass to take place on Wednesday, February 4 at 10:30 a.m. from St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Riverhead, Harbour Grace. Interment in the Roman Catholic Cemetery, Harbour Grace.

In lieu of flowers, as expression of sympathy, donations in her memory may be made to the Roman Catholic Cemetery Fund, PO Box 299, Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, A0A 2M0. 

“To live in the hearts, we leave behind is not to die.”