Evelyn Marie O’Brien, a longtime resident of Delavan before moving to Sarasota, Fla., 11 years ago, died on Jan. 17, 2014.
Mrs. O’Brien celebrated her 103rd birthday in March 2013 with many of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She continued to play an active role within her large family until her death.
She was born in Union Grove on March 24, 1910, one of two daughters of the late Laura and William H. Drinkwater. A graduate of the Union Grove High School, she was married for 52 years to Edwin B. O’Brien who died in 1988. She lived in Delavan for almost 60 years before moving to Florida in 2002 to live with her daughter, Mary Jo Reston.
Mrs. O’Brien is survived by four children, Mary Jo Reston (Richard), of Siesta Key; Thomas O’Brien (Patricia), of Milwaukee, Kathleen Maybee, of Sarasota, and Patrick O’Brien, of Sarasota; a nephew, William Gibson (Sue), of Sturtevant; five grandchildren, Jeff O’Brien, Erin Tompkins (Brian), Heather Kaufman (Daniel), Betsy Anderson (Robb), and Ben O’Brien (Joy); and eight great grandchildren, Noah, Nicholas and Nathan Tompkins; Logan and Ella Kaufman; Caroline and Jaymes Anderson; and Arthur Harmon. She is predeceased by a son, Robert O’Brien; her sister, Marie Hombach; and a grandson, Colin Maybee.
Evelyn outlived many of her Delavan friends, but she loved them all. Her greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. When she left Delavan, she especially missed the bridge games and her years of working at Lake Lawn Lodge. She was a wonderful homemaker and inspiration to her children and grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society; Suite 750 South; 1800 M Street, N.W.; Washington, D.C. 20036.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Jan. 25 at 11a.m. at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Delavan. The Rev. James Scheurman and Deacon Phil Kilkenny will be officiating. Burial will follow services in St. Andrews Catholic Cemetery.
Friends may call at the church from 10 a.m. to service time. Betzer Funeral Home is serving the O’Brien family.
