Mary Catharine O’Brien, 93, of Aberdeen, Washington, passed peacefully into
Heaven on May 14, 2021, at Harbor Regional Health Community Hospital in
Aberdeen.
Mary was born on February 7, 1928, to John J Norris and Mary C McHugh Norris in
the Bronx, New York City. She loved growing up in the big city and working her
first jobs at Macy’s and on Wall Street. She married John Patrick O’Brien in the
Bronx on August 12, 1950, and bore two miracle babies, John and Patricia. The
family moved to “the land of milk and honey” Aberdeen, Washington, in 1960 to
join other transplanted family members.
Mary was fun-loving and made a large circle of friends. She enjoyed homemaking,
supporting her children’s activities, camping, caregiving, and foster parenting. She
was a devout member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and St. Aurilla’s Guild. After
her husband died in 1991, Mary joined the Fern Hill Solos group, Dorothy Mann’s
Birthday Club, and Christian Women’s Club. She enjoyed extensive traveling and
long “solving the world’s problems” chats with friends. Mary had deep faith and
trust in her Savior Jesus Christ and spent much time in prayer and in sending cards
of encouragement.
Mary is survived by her sister Elizabeth Gutman of Island Park, NY, and brother
John Norris of New Rochelle, NY; children John O’Brien (Leslie) of Aberdeen, and
daughter Patricia Tupper (Dan); grandchildren Dan Tupper (Jolene) of Aberdeen,
and Katelyn Tupper of Long Beach, CA; and great grandchildren Daniel, Weston,
and Silver Tupper.
We gratefully acknowledge Eucharistic ministers for the homebound, Tom
Isaacson and Jeannine Bramstedt, who visited her weekly for many years.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, May 24, at Fern Hill
Cemetery, Aberdeen.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church,
Aberdeen.
Arrangements are in the care of Fern Hill Funeral Home.