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Madeline O'Brien Obituary
November 29, 1921 -
May 4, 2013
After a lifetime of service to community, church and family, Madeline Catherine Griffin O'Brien, 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 4, 2013.
The complete obituary can be read in next week's Sunday Chronicle.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated by Pastor Reverend Monsignor Frank J. Rossi, S.T.L., on Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday, May 25, 2013, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road, Houston, Texas 77056. A reception will immediately follow at the parish Life Center. A private rite of committal will take place at the Houston National Cemetery.
May God be with you and bless you:
May you see your children's children.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Madeline O'Brien
Sponsored by The Family of Madeline and Donald O'Brien.
Mildred (Midge) O'Brien
May 13, 2024
Madeline and I (she was the wife of my brother, Donald Francis O'Brien) graduated from the College of Saint Teresa, Winona, Minnesota. It was Madeline who recommended Saint Teresa's and urged me to attend. Midred O'Brien,Class of 1956
Pat Roeling
July 15, 2014
I did not have the honor of knowing Mrs. O'Brien, but am friends and a classmate of her grandchildren.
What a MARVELOUS life, not only in accomplishments, but the wonderful lineage and civility, congeniality and sense of kindness that she has passed on. My childhood homes in the Memorial area of Houston were most certainly molded by her efforts. What a wonderful lady and exceptional business inspiration for now and generations to come. Not just the business factor, but the very application of the human touch to those she did business with, and the lovely family that she called her own.
July 23, 2013
Midge O'Brien
July 4, 2013
Like Madeline, my sister-in-law, I followed her to the College of Saint Teresa, Winona, Minnesota, from where I graduated in 1956
Harold Eugene (Gene) O'Brien
July 1, 2013
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Betty Morrison
June 30, 2013
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Barbara Tungate
June 30, 2013
What a tremendous tribute to a truly lovely lady, always welcoming to other agency Realtors like I back in the 70s and 80s. Ironically, I was an underling at McCann-Erickson in the 60s when Mr. O'Brien was plying his trade -- always a gentleman and so helpful to we beginner sorts. A true dynamic duo of the first order. Thank you for sharing them with us.
June 30, 2013
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the Raymond Goodrich family
June 30, 2013
With sincere condolences to Jean and each other member of Madeline and Don's wonderful family, we want you to know that we share your loss. With hopeful thoughts of their final reunion, we wish each of you the gift of peace and acceptance. RIP.
Madeline O'Brien, Irby Rozelle
June 30, 2013
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Georgana Repal
June 17, 2013
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Madeline. She was one of the most gracious ladies I have ever know. She was an inspiration to all. I enjoyed working with her on various
charity events. I treasure all of our visits. I was heartbroken that I was not able to attend the Memorial Service. I was out of town. It was an honor to have know her.
Georgana Repal
Irene Pence
June 10, 2013
Farewell to a gracious and sincere Lady. Madeline was indeed a Lady in every sense of the word, and an inspiration to all of us in the Real Estate community that were priviledged to have known her. Sincere condolences to her family. Take comfort in knowing Madeline truely exemplified a life well lived and well loved.
Dene Hofheinz Anton
May 28, 2013
In memory of a most beloved Lady...
Dene Hofheinz Anton
May 28, 2013
Here's to a long life so well lived....with love,
Dene Hofheinz Anton
May 26, 2013
To my godmother Madeline, who always had a hand extended in love and peace, always saw the best in others and encourged them to use it, who held herself to the highest moral and professional standards and who always had time to make sure things were right. She could always be counted on to keep confidences, including her own suffering. She was a mentor to many. She was on more boards and involved in more charity work than anyone can count or remember. She traveled all over the world to help women out of discrimination and poverty. She was so proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was best friend to many. And, she knew how to throw the BEST parties. She was extraordinary,artistic, brilliant in business, tireless, humble, powerful, selfless. Like so many others, I am a better person for having known her.We love her and we miss her.
May she rest fully and completely in the arms of her Creator, in whom she had all confidence.
Jane Seger
Beth Kelley
May 24, 2013
Sincerest condolences to all the O'Brien Family.
Madeline was a woman that always went beyond kindness! Every time we use our beautiful Shamrock Decanter we share wonderful memories. Mrs. Beth Kelley
Larry Kelley
May 24, 2013
I wanted to tell a story about the Kelley's & the O'Brien's that shows the courage & bravery of Madeline.
The time was a un air-conditioned Houston in July 1951. My mother Margie Kelley and Madeline O'Brien were friends facing all the challenges of raising a young family. Margie was 32 years old, with 3 children, Larry (5yrs.); Nano (3 yrs.); and Grover (2yrs). Madeline was 30 years old with 2 children at that time Donny, Mary Anne, not sure if Jean & Bob were born yet.
During this hot summer there was a nationwide polio epidemic and Houston was especially hard hit. No one knew how this disease was transmitted, there was no vaccine and no cure. What was certain is that this terrible disease inflicted permanent damage to anyone that survived.
One morning, suffering from a high fever, my 3- year old sister Nano told my Dad, while he was shaving, that she could not walk. Margie Kelley was faced with caring for 2 young sons and a baby daughter suffering from a crippling disease, with no cure and her future uncertain. We lived in the new part of West University, on a treeless Nottingham, near Kirby. Our house was off-limits to the other kids on the block, and no adults would enter, similar to a state of quarantine.
In the middle of this uncertainty, in spite of this horrible disease, and the quarantined house, mom's friends Billie Smith & Madeline O'Brien charged in to help their friend, my mom, Margie Kelley. They took care of all of us, and helped their friend at home and at the hospital.
The highest military honors are awarded to soldiers who, with complete disregard of their own life, rise to an occasion to help their fellow soldiers, their friends when they are in need.
Madeline O'Brien demonstrated an equal amount of courage during the polio epidemic of the summer of 1951, when her friend, Margie Kelley, needed help, Madeline was there!!
Madeline remained part of the Kelley family in the years after the Polio crisis and now I am certain my mom Margie is there to help & welcome Madeline to her new life.
Thank you Madeline for standing strong, at a terrible time, for your friend and for us.
Larry Kelley Jr. and The Kelley's
Larry & Beth Kelley (Stacey Carpenter, Jennifer Burke Henry, Bridget Burke, Michael Burke): Nano & Pat Scherrieb (Carl Scherrieb); Grover Kelley; Mary & Don Jones. Plus Grandchildren – Jared & Matthew Carpenter; Elle Henry (due May 26).
Larry Griffin
May 24, 2013
I will always remember Aunt Madeline's elegance and admirable strength as a business leader.
...remembering how she helped develop my sweet tooth when eating her delicious and rich fudge during the holidays.
I had so much fun at her St. Patrick's Day parties and family events ...an era gone by.
Aunt Madeline, you are loved and missed.
Madeline O'Brien
Stephen Griffin
May 22, 2013
Dear Aunt Madeline we will remember you.
At the rising and setting of the sun, we will remember you.
At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring, we will remember you.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer, we will remember you.
At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn, we will remember you.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, we will remember you.
When we are weary and in need of strength, we will remember you.
When we are lost and sick at heart, we will remember you.
When we have joy we crave to share, we will remember you.
As long as we live, you too will live; for you are and always will be a part of us all,
As we will remember you.
The Bert L. and Betty Griffin Family
The Caseys: Nell, Ray, Dan, Ali and Ford Haegele
Nell (Griffin) Casey
May 21, 2013
So sorry to hear about the passing of dear Aunt Madeline. She will be remembered with great affection. She held a beautiful brunch for my family and wedding party in 1979, and impressed my New York in-laws! My thoughts and prayers are with all the family, and I wish I could be there.
Raymond Goodrich
May 20, 2013
Madeline and Don O'Brien made the perfect Houston couple of the mid-century. In my mind's eye, I see them dressed to the nines, twirling on a ball room floor with eyes only for each other. I can only imagine the dress-up ball the two of them are throwing in heaven. With fond memories and sincerest condolences to Madeline's large family and legions of friends, clients and well-wishers.
Jan Keegan
May 20, 2013
My most sincere sympathies to the O'Brien family. Madeline was an incredible woman who touched my life with friendship and kindness. I will hold all the memories of her close to my heart.
May 19, 2013
We are sad to hear of Madeline passing, she was part of our family growing up. We will be there Sat..
Larry Kelley
May 19, 2013
Your mother was a "second mother" to me.
I loved her!
Julia Anderson Frankel
May 19, 2013
Mom gently reminded me to let all of you know that her Memorial Mass is at 10 a.m. on Saturday the 25th.
Don
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