Roslindale, Massachusetts. Jane Elizabeth O`Brien passed away on April 10 after a long struggle with Carcinoid cancer. She leaves behind her devoted parents, John and Joan O`Brien of Pocasset, and an abundance of family, friends, and colleagues whom she loved and who loved her beyond measure. Jane was born in Springfield, Vermont, and grew up in small Vermont towns and then spent her high school years in Greenfield, Massachusetts. She was a 1990 graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, with a BA Cum Laude in Psychology. She was a natural leader, strong student, and made lifelong friends from an early age. Jane became an avid baker, supplying every pie, birthday cake, and favorite cookie for her grateful family and friends` holidays, celebrations, parties, and birthdays, right up to her final days.
Immediately after college, Jane began her almost uninterrupted career at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Her life`s work on behalf of pediatric oncology patients, children with blood diseases, and their families, culminated in her position as the Director of Clinical Research Operations for the pediatric Clinical and Translational Investigation Program (CTIP). She was among the founders of CTIP. Her integrity and commitment to excellence inspired the faculty and staff with whom she worked. Having amassed an understanding of cancer and the medical field that far surpassed her family and friends, she supported many people through their own medical challenges, long before her own.
In addition to being the "best aunt" for dozens of children, both in her family of birth and beyond, Jane loved all dogs, but especially large, slightly unruly ones, including her own Bruno and Henry. Outside of her substantial professional commitment to fighting cancer, Jane was also a 20-year veteran of the Pan Mass Challenge, serving as either a rider or volunteer. She especially enjoyed rolling into the Mass Maritime Academy in Bourne, MA, and seeing her niece and nephews with a hand-decorated, 10-foot long sign celebrating her and her dear friend and fellow rider, Rob Alber.
Jane was most remarkable in her endless commitment to and generosity with her family and friends. At every stage of her life, Jane connected with people around wine, food and restaurants, books, science, style, or simply her unmatched empathy.
In addition to her parents, Jane is survived by her siblings and siblings-in-law: Carolyn O`Brien and husband Lou Jordano; John O`Brien and wife Cynthia; and Steven O`Brien and wife Cara. She was beloved by her best friend, Lisa Alber and her husband, Rob. She will always be missed by nieces and nephews: Audrey Jordano; John, Dean, Gavin, and Derek O`Brien; and Lila, Luke, and Griffin O`Brien as well as godsons Nate and Tom Alber. Her partner of many years, James Barnes of Chicago, is bereft. Jane leaves many aunts, uncles, and cousins by whom she was much loved.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to gather for visiting hours at the McLaughlin-Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., Woburn, Tuesday, April 16th, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in St. Charles Borromeo Church, 280 Main St., Woburn, at noon. Interment services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dana Farber`s Pediatric Clinical and Translational Investigation Program at http://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/janeeobrien or Dana Farber, Pediatric Clinical and Translational Investigation Program, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.