Shirley O'Bryan

1938 - 2026

Shirley O’Bryan entered into eternal rest surrounded by love from family and friends on Sunday, January  4, 2026 under exceptional care at Evelyn’s house.

Shirley is survived by her daughter Catherine (Peter); son John (Jessica); grandchildren Shannon (Patrick), Thomas (Sophia), Rebecca (Ryan); great grandchildren Paige, Violet, Aurelia, William, Amora, and Adeline; sister Maryrose; cousin Sue Anne; numerous nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents Charles and Olive Ehle; numerous uncles, cousins, and in-laws.

Shirley was born on November 23, 1938 in Toledo, OH.  As a child, she learned to shoot and fish on Lake Erie with her parents and extended family.  She became an accomplished figure skater and developed a lifelong love for sketching and painting.  

In high school, Shirley met the love of her life, John and they married on January 17, 1959.  Together they raised two children.  She was dedicated to supporting John’s career and family as they moved to Chicago, Baltimore, Washington DC, Dayton, Jacksonville, Deland, and Debary.  They were devoted to each other for 57 years.  Together, they shared a commitment to the Catholic Church community, love of family, pride in their children, and immense joy in grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Over the years, John and Shirley traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and South America.   She was dedicated to pursuing excellence in all areas of her life and had the unique ability to do the ordinary in an extraordinary manner.  The grandchildren have fond memories of her doing puzzles, playing games, painting bird houses, writing letters as pen pals, baking cookies, and offering positive encouragement as they pursued their hopes and dreams.  

After John’s passing, Shirley lived with Cathy and Pete for 8 years in Bloomington, IN.  She cherished walking and painting the many seasons of the flower gardens and forest.  When Cathy would cut flowers from their garden, she would magically arrange them in beautiful harmony.  She was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church, a regular volunteer and artisan contributor to their Christmas bazaar. 

In late 2024, Shirley began living with John and Jessica in Chesterfield, MO.  She enjoyed painting, reading, doing puzzles, bird watching, attending plays at the Fox Theatre and sightseeing.  She loved sharing breakfast with William and the dog.  She spent time playing with great grandchildren and was so grateful to be one of the first people to hold her great grandbaby Adeline who was born on her late husband’s birthday. 

In summary, Shirley was an extraordinary person that truly understood that faith, family and friends were most important.  She was always present and focused on quietly serving others with love, grace, and kindness. 

Services: Celebration of Life Mass at Ascension Catholic Church in Chesterfield, MO on Saturday, January 10 at 10:30 am. Reception to follow.  Private interment service will be held in Ohio. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Catholic Church  (https://osvhub.com/ascension- or the American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org/).