Mary L. O'Brien

Mary Lillian O'Brien, 77, a longtime resident of Lake Katrine, died Friday, April 7, 2017 at her home surrounded by her children. Born in Boston, MA, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Mary (McViney) Feehly. It has been said that a life well lived is measured by love, by sacrifice and by joy. Mom dedicated her life to the care of others; husband, children, grandchildren, elderly relatives and ailing friends. She sacrificed her time and her energies for others and did not seek accolades or great riches; she loved unconditionally and brought joy to us all. Mary is survived by her four children, Mary E. "Babe" O'Brien of Poughkeepsie, Michelle O'Brien Zihal and her husband Michael of Saratoga Springs, NY, Timothy J. O'Brien of Kingston and Sean M. O'Brien of Lake Katrine and his companion Anita Reynolds of Kingston, a sister, Margurite LaFlamme and her husband Paul of Stoughton, MA, a brother Michael W. Feehly and his wife Nancy of Pawleys Island, SC. Five grandchildren, Leah O'Brien, Emily Zihal, Kevin Zihal, Teige O'Brien and Matthew Zihal. In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Joseph T. O'Brien who passed away in 2014; a beloved daughter Patricia M. O'Brien (1980), a brother John Feehly and a nephew David Feehly. Mary will be reposing at Simpson-Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave on Tuesday April 11, 2017 from 5 8 p.m. A funeral procession will form from the funeral home on Wednesday, at 9 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Colman's Church in East Kingston. Interment will follow at St. Anne's Cemetery. For many, care giving can be a chore but for our family it was a gift of time with Mom. Our family has been fortunate to have good friends during this time. We thank Anita Reynolds for her great kindness to Mom, her love and support. We thank our good friend Kathy Sinatra who joined us in providing the best care possible for Mom during her illness. The loving care she gave Mom made all the difference. We also thank the expert support and compassion from the good people at Hudson Valley Hospice. Memorial donations may be made to the Ulster County Community College Foundation: The Patricia M. O'Brien Scholarship Fund or St. Jude Childrens Research (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105)