Lillian G. O'Brien, 88, of North Smithfield, formerly of Woonsocket, died Sunday morning at St. Antoine Residence with her daughter by her side. She was the wife of the late John “Ben” O’Brien who died in 1985.
Born in Woonsocket, she was a daughter of the late Syril and Yvonne (Renaud) Lavoie. She was a lifelong resident of Woonsocket until taking up residence at St .Antoine several years ago.
Mrs. O’Brien was employed by Winsor Mfg. Corp. in Woonsocket for over 20 years. She also worked as a shoe clerk at McCarthy’s Department Store, and later at Tupperware in Blackstone.
Lillian was a member of the St. Joseph Senior Citizens and the Royal Travelers. She enjoyed traveling and playing cards.
During her time at St. Antoine she gained the reputation as the “best bingo player” among her fellow residents. Lillian was also known as “Miss America” owning to her keen sense of style and graceful presence.
Her central joy and devotion in life was to her family.
She is survived by a daughter, Carol Ann Swenson of Douglas, MA, a granddaughter, Kellie Cooke, and her husband Joseph, of West Warwick. She was the mother-in-law of the late David E. Swenson, and sister of the late Roger and Romeo Lavoie.
Her Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday at 11:00 am in St. Antoine Chapel, 10 Rhodes Ave., North Smithfield. Burial will follow in St. Jean Baptiste Cemetery, Bellingham. Visiting hours are Tuesday from 9:00-10:30 am, prior to Mass, in the Menard Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave., Woonsocket. Flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made to St. Antoine Development Office, 10 Rhodes Ave., North Smithfield, RI. 02896.
www.menardfuneralhome.com