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Helen O'Brien Obituary

Helen M. O'Brien of Lowell; 87 Lowell Helen M. (McGrail) O'Brien, widow of Sherman J. O'Brien, Jr., of Lowell died Sunday September 21, 2008 at Harborside Northwood in Bedford, NH. She was 87. Born in Lowell on June 12, 1921, she was a daughter of the late William and Gladys (Brown) McGrail. She was a graduate of Lowell High and a communicant of St. Michael's Church. In later years she worked for the Lowell School District as a cafeteria worker. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family. She was an avid reader and loved to accompany her late husband on fishing trips. Survivors include a son and his wife, Sherman J. O'Brien, III, and his wife Janet of Goshen, NH; four daughters and their husbands, Donna M. Sullivan and her husband Kenneth of Buxton, ME, Lynne M. Sussman and her husband Rick of Merrimack NH, Elaine Crebase and her husband Paul of Merrimack, NH, Janet Ferrantino and her husband Michael of Andover; A brother, Thomas McGrail and his wife Helene of Naples, FL; a sister, Evelyn Smith and her husband Charles of Widowee, AL; a sister-in-law, Marcia McGrail of Lowell; fifteen grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was the mother of the late Thomas F. O'Brien and sister of the late Gladys McDougall, William McGrail and John McGrail. O'BRIEN Helen M. (McGrail) O'Brien of Lowell, Mass. It being her request there will be no visitation. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 AM in St. Michael's Church, 543 Bridge Street, Lowell. Burial in St. Patrick Cemetery. Donations in Helen's memory may be made to: Budget Officer, National Eye Institute, Building 31, Room 6A16, 31 Center Drive MSC 2510, Bethesda, MD 20892-2510. For directions or condolences, please visit, www.mckennaouellette.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lowell Sun on Sep. 24, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
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Neil English

September 26, 2008

SJ, Janet and the entire Obrien family
Sometimes we humans can feel as helpless as a bullfrog in a rowboat. At times like those we simply need to raise our eyes to the gunwales to find our family and friends lined up and pulling on the oars. Please accept our sincere condolences.
with love
Neil and Leigh

marta gramaccioni

September 25, 2008

Elaine, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this dificult time. sorry i can not be present at the funeral. many you have many happy memories of the good times of your mom.

Beverly Sjostrom/Hodiak

September 24, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

September 24, 2008

SJ, Janet & family,
We were sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. Wayne's sister Nancy passed the news on to us. May your memories of her bring you comfort during this difficult time and the days ahead.
Love,
Sharyn and Wayne Farrow

Caroline Dolan

September 24, 2008

Donna, I am so sorry for your Mom's passing. Our hearts are never ready to deal with the death of a parent, so treasure your memories and be good to yourself during this difficult time. You and your family are in my prayers Caroline

marta gramaccioni

September 24, 2008

Helen was a wonderful person and a very kind soul that would not hurt anyone. she i was loved by all and wil be missed. Helen was like a second grandma to me.

Donna Larose (Firth)

September 24, 2008

Elaine and family, My condolences to you on your loss. Take care

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