Kathleen A. O’Brien, 81, of Bridgewater, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her devoted family, on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Signature Healthcare-Brockton Hospital. She was the beloved wife of John T. O’Brien, sharing 57 wonderful years of marriage.
Born and raised in Brockton, Kathleen was the cherished daughter of the late Michael and Bridget (McEntee) Holland. After graduating from St. Patrick’s High School, she pursued her studies at Boston State Secretarial School. Kathleen dedicated many years to HarborOne Bank in Brockton, where she rose to the role of Vice President before retiring.
Kathleen was a woman of profound faith, her spirit defined by kindness, warmth, and an open heart. Her laughter was infectious, and her generous soul always saw the best in everyone, offering them the "benefit of the doubt." As a mother, she was extraordinary, always present, nurturing, and loving, leaving an indelible mark on her family.
Her family was her world, and every moment spent with her children and grandchildren was treasured. Kathleen was a passionate reader and adored crossword puzzles, completing them in pen with a rare grace, seldom making a mistake. She embraced life’s simple joys—cooking, gardening, and music—but it was the special moments she shared with her family that truly filled her heart. She even taught her children how to dance to the beloved hits of the 1970s, filling their lives with joy, laughter, and her endless love.
In addition to her devoted husband, John, Kathleen leaves behind her loving children: Mary K. Howland and her husband John of Easton, Kathleen A. Ehlers and her husband Timothy of Burlington, VT, Tara A. Kiley and her husband Sean of Bridgewater, and Michael F. O’Brien and his wife Katie of Mount Airy, MD. She is also survived by her dear brother, John Holland of Poughkeepsie, NY, and ten cherished grandchildren: Bridget, Daniel, Ethan, Caitlyn, John, Zachary, Finnbarr, Declan, Evelyn, and Maeve, along with many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter Shannon A. Pisarczyk, and her siblings James Holland and Mary (Herlihy) Connolly.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte. 123), Brockton. The funeral procession will gather at the funeral home on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 9:15 am for a funeral mass at 10:15 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 433 West Street, Brockton. Interment will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, Bourne at 12:30 pm.
Flowers are welcome, and donations in Kathleen’s memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; the Association of the Miraculous Medal, 1811 West Saint Joseph Street, Perryville, MO 63775; or the Pine Street Inn, Attn: Development Office, 444 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118.
For directions and online condolences, please visit www.conleyfuneralhome.com or find us on Facebook at Conley Funeral & Cremation Service.