Ellen E. O’Brien, 87, a life-long resident of Center Township passed away peacefully on August 24, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.
Born July 30, 1934, in Center Township, she was the daughter of the late John and Catherine McGrogan. Ellen graduated from Saint Veronica High School and went on to attend St. Francis Nursing School, but then met the love of her life, Don O’Brien and made a career change to full-time mother after she and Don married.
Together they raised six children and dedicated their lives to demonstrating the value and importance of family. Ellen found great joy in hosting big family gatherings, camping and following the activities of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ellen was an exceptional wife and mother who cared deeply for her family. She was the ultimate caretaker who lovingly took care of her children, her parents, and then later her husband.
She was predeceased by Don, her beloved husband of 63 years on March 10, 2018 and her much loved daughter and granddaughter MaryKay Bartosh and Ashley Cronin.
She leaves behind her cherished children, Maureen O’Brien of Chippewa (Keith Whipple), Don (Debbie) O’Brien, Jr. of Frederick, Maryland, son-in-law Ron Bartosh of Chippewa, Mary Ellen (Mike) Watts of Center Township, Patti (Dave) Cronin of Leesburg, Virginia and Colleen (Ed) Keller of Conway and her much adored 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Kate (Dan) Lopez, MaryAnn (Russ) Scott, John (Emily) McGrogan, Dan McGrogan and Joe (Chris) McGrogan; a sister-in-law, Ruthie Molnar, and many, many nieces and nephews. Ellen was a member of Saint Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Center Township.
In remembrance of Ellen’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, or a favorite charity. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff at Cambridge Village, Patterson Township for their compassionate care of our mother.
A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.