Mary Celine O'Brien

COHOES Mary Celine O'Brien, 80, of The Eddy Ford Nursing Home in Cohoes, died Friday, March 28, 2003 at the nursing home. Born on June 2, 1922 in Troy, she was the daughter of the late Arthur E. and Margaret Collins O'Brien. She graduated from Catholic Central High School, class of 1940 and was a graduate of the College of St. Rose and the State University of New York at Albany, where she received her masters degree in Library Science. Ms. O'Brien was a librarian at the Keveny Academy in Cohoes, Maria College, Watertown High School and the Folk Art Center in Asheville, N.C. She was the recipient of the New York State United Teachers Award for Exemplary Service, the Watertown Education Association Utilization of Instructional Television in Education Award and the Credo Foundation Drug Rehabilitation Center for Outstanding Service Award. Ms. O'Brien had articles published in The Collector's Magazine and in Country Folk Art Magazine. She wrote the Curriculum Guide for Junior High School and had the book I Charge Each of You: Biography of Dr. Thomas Anthony Dooley published. Mary Celine enjoyed arts & crafts, music, theater, science, writing, swimming and the environment. She is survived by one niece, Mary Celine O'Brien of Berlin and her dear friend, Kathleen A. Ross of Ballston Spa. She was predeceased by two brothers, Walter J. O'Brien and Rev. Arthur T. O'Brien. Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, April 12 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Crescent. A reception will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Romano's Family Restaurant, 1475 Route 9, Clifton Park, N.Y. There are no calling hours. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions, in memory of Ms. O'Brien, to the Richard C. Rockwell Endowment Fund, c/o MDRC, 421 West Columbia Street, Cohoes, NY 12047.