Mary Ann O'Brien

O'BRIEN - Mary Ann, 84, of Chatham, died on Thursday, October 9, 2008 in Summit. She was born in Middletown, CT. She raised her family in Staten Island, NY, and later resided in Garden City, NY, before moving to Chatham in 2007. Mrs. O'Brien was a homemaker who loved to be in the company of her family, especially during summer vacations on Cape Cod. She was a long-time member of the Mother's Guild at St. Teresa's Church in Staten Island. Later she was active as a volunteer at Winthrop University Hospital in Long Island. Earlier in her life she supported the U.S. war effort during World War II by working at the Russell Company in Middletown, CT. She is survived by her husband, Thomas O'Brien, of Chatham; her daughter, Diane Vaglio of Bernardsville; her two sons, Thomas O'Brien, Jr. of Cranford, and Michael O'Brien of Bernardsville. She was predeceased by her daughter, Marianne O'Brien Stiansen, of Cranford. Mrs. O'Brien is also survived by 10 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren. Visitation is scheduled for Monday, October 13, at the Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, 101 South Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9pm. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 14 at 10:00am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Bernardsville. Internment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Basking Ridge. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Marianne O'Brien Stiansen Scholarship Fund, 759 Walnut Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016. The scholarship fund, which was set up in memory of Mrs. O'Brien's daughter, a teacher, awards college scholarships to deserving seniors at Cranford High School. For further information contact Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home at (908)766-0250 or visit www.gcfuneralhome.com