Nancy (Anne) O’Brien, 86, died Saturday, July 24, 2021. She died at home, very peacefully in her sleep, next to her loving husband Robert of 64 years. She had been a resident of Hatfield, Pa., for 17 years.
She was born in Jenkintown, Pa., the only child of Anne and John O’Neil. She went to Immaculate Conception Grade School in Jenkintown and Notre Dame in Wyncote.
Mom had so many friends; many were from the first grade. There are too many to name.
She married Robert O’Brien on September 15, 1956, in Jenkintown, PA. They honeymooned in Hawaii where Robert was stationed and returned home several years later with a baby boy, Mark.
In addition to Hawaii and Hatfield, Nancy and Robert lived in Cape May, NJ, and Roslyn and Colmar, both in Pennsylvania. They considered Hatfield their forever home.
Mom worked as a Credit Union manager for many years. In her younger years, she worked at Kiddie City to help make Santa Claus’s job easier.
Mom was a military wife and a proud life-long member of Navy Wives Club of America.
Her hobbies and interests included reading, water walking, volunteering and helping her family in every way possible. She always found enjoyment in everything she did.
Charitable organizations were Navy Wives Club of America (NWCA) and Fisher House—both very special to her. She was a lifelong member of NWCA and held many positions such as President of the local club Wings 218 and was National Patriotism Chairwoman. She was on the Board for many years as well as many other prestigious positions.
Mom’s biggest attributes was her ability to write letters. These letters became the stories of her life. Unfortunately, she never got to publish her book, Bananas in the Bathtub.
She is survived by Robert O’Brien, her loving husband of 64 years. Their children are Mark and his wife Theresa, Great Falls, Virginia; Maureen and her husband John Sagrantz, Hatfield, PA (2 children and 7 grandchildren); Emilee, married to Brian Taylor (4 children, Nolan, Reagan, Sloane, Sage); Aimee, married to Jeff Gilbert (3 children, James, Julia, Ava); Sherry and her husband Steve Sikora, Lansdale, Pa. (2 children: Stephanie and JoAnne, married to Camilo Guzman (2 children, Alex and Sikora) and Bruce and his wife Elsa, Quakertown, Pa. (2 children: Robert, married to Hannah, and Makayla.)
Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, August 5, 2021, at 1 PM at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 1601 Durstine Road, Hatfield, Pa. Visitation will precede Mass, beginning at Noon.
Reception is private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Navy Wives Club of America and Fisher House would be appreciated.
Special thanks to all of Mom’s friends, neighbors, caregivers and especially to Caring Hospice and Meghan who were our Angels.
I will always remember the wonderful times Ed and I shared with you and your family on Galloway. And will treasure the memories of the trips we took and parties we had. Here’s to us, none like us!
, God Bless us! Love, Dottie Minich
What a great picture of Mrs. O’Brien. That beautiful smile is just how I remember her. Growing up on Galloway, we called all the wonderful moms Mrs. and dads Mr. I have such fond memories of Mrs. O’Brien as well as Mr. O’Brien, Mark, Sherry, Maureen, Bruce and the rest of the Galloway Gang! Much Love, Linda Minich-Mendez, Marc and Travis
You were a thoughtful, compassionate & totally engaged cousin to our mother, Betty O’Neill Brayman, as she moved through widowhood and her changing needs for housing & support. My sister, Marie & I, could never articulate the appreciation, relief and love we feel for you and Sherry, not only for who you are, but also for being our “family on the ground” at St. Mary’s in Landsdale while we attended to our lives, jobs & homes in CA.
Nancy was so much fun to be with. I will miss her. cousin marcie
To Mr O’Neill and all the Family,
May Mrs. O’Neill rest in peace with the Angels. We are so glad we knew your wife,Mom,Grand mom. She was such a lovely person and it shows through her family. Many prayers for all of you as you walk down this difficult road.
Our heartfelt condolences to all of you.
Tom, Janine and Kim Bemiller
I am so sorry to hear about Nancy’s passing. May you find comfort knowing she is at pease. Prayers to all of your family.
I was so happy to see Aunt Nancy and Uncle Bob come down to South Carolina for my Dad’s 90th birthday party. Although they are 1st cousins we called her Aunt. They had a great time. Now that Dad is 92 he is the last living O’Neill from Jenkintown that I know of. Much condolences my cousins in PA.
Nancy will be sadly missed. She has left me with many happy memories of all our travels. She was a good friend of many years. May she Rest In Peace.
Kay, you all were amazing together! The laughs could have been heard from blocks away! We will all miss her dearly…but the memories will always be with us. I hope you are doing well! Love to all. Elsa and Bruce
Friendships like ours don’t come around on this Planet too often….63 years of laughs and good times….we will miss so much…..
Betty and Ray
I know Ray and Betty…you all are so blessed to have a friendship for so long. You guys always had amazing laughs!! Remember the good times! I hope both are doing well. Love to all, Elsa and Bruce
Nancy was full of life. Always ready for a new adventure. She loved her family and she had a smile that would light up a room. These are the memories that I will always have of my cousin.
She was the best mother in law ever…!
She open my eyes to the huge world around me/ No longer tethered to local, mom taught me the world is global – it is bigger than me.
Mom; my suitcase is packed; but now i cannot follow you.
i am only now feeling the hole that will be left behind.
Love – Stephen
Nancy was one of the most friendliest persons you could know. Her wit and laughter were her greatest attributes. She is a cousin that I will miss and never forget. God Bless Her.
You were an amazing mother and Grandma…We will forever miss you Nanabird. Rest in peace until we meet again. Love The Becks Family
What a beautiful life!
We will miss you, but mom will be forever in our hearts. I will Love you always and forever.