Emily (Olivier) O’Brien passed peacefully on April 16, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. Emily was the daughter of the late Giovanni and Evelina Olivier. Emily was born in Danbury, CT and raised in Norwalk. Emily was the matriarch and rock of her family, who ruled the roost with a wooden spoon. In her early career, she worked on Wall Street in New York City. Later, she was the CEO of Natick’s N.E.A.T Laboratory and an active member in Natick town politics. She volunteered as a religious education teacher and was a devoted parishioner at St. Linus Parish. Emily was an avid reader, who instilled the love of books in her children and to students through her role as librarian in the Natick Public Schools and Dana Hall School.
She is predeceased by Lawrence, her devoted husband of 62 years. Together, they shared many adventures, which included raising six children: Carol (and her husband Mark Gunter); Leslie (and her husband David Buffo); Michael (and his wife Karen (Chicklis) O’Brien; Susan (and her husband Ron Leger); Kelly O’Brien and Margery (and her husband Todd Reed). Emily was blessed to welcome grandchildren Andrew, Caitlin (and husband Josh Mansir); Sara (and husband Tom Spang) Gunter; Christina and Matthew Buffo; Mannis (and Mary Pavlu), Kayla and Liam O’Brien; Ryan (and Jen Newman) and Emily Leger and Camden, Cole and Delaney Reed. Finley Sara Mansir, Emily’s great granddaughter was a perfect gift this past Christmas. She is also survived by her sister Sylvia Spielman.
Emily thoroughly enjoyed making memories at family reunions, time spent at her Lodge on Crystal Lake and the peace of her own backyard.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Emily on Tuesday, April 24th at 11:30 a.m. at St. Linus Church, 119 Hartford Street, Natick. Calling hours will immediately precede the Mass at the John Everett and Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street at Natick Common, beginning at 9:30 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. Emily was a passionate volunteer of Meals on Wheels for years. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Mealsonwheelsbaypath.org.