Elvy O'Brien Obituary

Elvy Setterqvist O'Brien

1925 - 2015 Beloved wife and companion, teacher and scholar, Elvy Setterqvist O'Brien passed peacefully into eternal life at 12:05 a.m., Monday, August 31, 2015. She was born, Elvy Astrid Carlson, in the Norwegian Hospital, Brooklyn, New York, December 12, 1925, of Swedish parents, Ernst Carlson and Astrid Setterqvist Carlson. The family moved to Stockholm, Sweden, in 1934, where Elvy received her primary, secondary, and business education. She worked for L.M. Ericsson in New York, 1950 to 1952, and for Ford Motor Co. in Stockholm. In 1964, she married Charles Harold O'Brien in Stockholm and returned with him to the U.S. to pursue an academic career in art history. She earned a B.A. from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, an M.A. from Ohio State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. She published several articles and book reviews on Johan Tobias Sergell, the subject of her doctoral dissertation, and her other fields of scholarly interest. For several years, she taught art history at Western Illinois University in Macomb and Monmouth College. She often tutored friends and students in Swedish. She was baptized and raised in the Church of Sweden and was a faithful member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Williamstown. Among her fondest memories were hours spent in the knitting group and various language circles. She leaves behind her husband of 50 years, Charles, her niece, Christina Grip and her nephew, Christian Grip, both of Stockholm. Her sister, Elsie Grip, passed away in 2014. Instead of flowers you may contribute in her name to St. John's Episcopal Church and/or Habitat for Humanity or a charity of your choice. Funeral services and burial will take place at a later date. To send a message or a card, please visit : www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com

Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Sep. 2, 2015.
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Dear Charles,
I am so very sorry to hear of Elvy's passing. She was a dear colleague and friend and I will always remember her fondly. With my deepest condolences,

Judy Myrth

October 5, 2015

Dear Charles, I was so sorry to hear of Elvy's death. Thorman and I send our deepest condolences. May you find peace in remembering a wonderful life together.
Kathy Macek

Kathy Macek

September 25, 2015

So sorry for the loss of one of the kindest people I ever met,. Elvy, may you rest in peace and rise in glory! Charles+, I will keep you in prayer.

Steve Murphy

September 11, 2015

We are so sorry for your loss. I fondly recall the two of you taking your walks together in almost every season, always ready to stop for a chat. Elvy will be missed.

Karen Kwitter

September 4, 2015

Elvy was one of the first people that I met when I moved to Williamstown and she introduced me to the local Scandinavian community. She had such positive spirit with a great sense of humor. She will be sorely missed.
Magnus Bernhardsson

September 3, 2015

Charles, you lucky and blessed man! To have had the joy of marriage for fifty years with your beloved Elvi-- what a gift of grace. We prayed for you both at Evening Prayer.

Grace, peace, and blessings,

Ruth and Bruce Duncan

September 3, 2015

It was a shock to learn that Elvy is no longer with us. She had many fine qualities and was always kind to me. Please let me know about plans for a service in her memory.

Susan Clarke

September 3, 2015

Charles, so sad to hear of Elvys' passing. What a wonderful woman. We will miss her on your walks in the neighborhood, always a kind word to all & especially the animals. Fondly, Maureen, Sam & Maggie(&Aidan always)

Sam Crane

September 3, 2015

How we will miss you, Elvy. Always laughing with a twinkle in your eye, we are learned so much from you about friendship, partnership, and Scandinavian culture. Michael and Mindy

Mindy Hackner

September 2, 2015

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