Caroleen Joan Kerth-O'Brien-Obituary

Caroleen Joan Kerth O'Brien

Portland, Oregon

1957 - 2023

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DIED
July 2, 2023
LOCATION
Portland, Oregon

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O'Brien, Caroleen Joan Kerth, Professor Emeritus. At age 66, Kerth died on July 2, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. Kerth was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Rita Kinsella O'Brien and the late Prof. Thomas G. O'Brien. Kerth is survived by her mother and by her siblings Mary Anne (Marvin) Friedlander,...

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I am my Aunt Kerth's eldest niece, Lynnese Chante O'Brien, and there are more than one wonderful memories I have from my time shared with her beautiful mind, spirit, and soul. So i guess if I have to narrow them down it would be the fact that no matter how long i may have not been in touch with her, any time she came to St.Louis,MO she would ALWAYS find her niece, me, and my children and let us know she loved us, missed us, and to hug us!!! Oh and I must add that when I was younger she sent...

This poem is a long time coming. I'm glad I could post it during the Christmas season as I was reminded of Kerth yesterday when I heard "The Holly and the Ivy" on the radio, one of Kerth's favorite carols. We miss you, Kerth. Crossing (In Loving Memory of Caroleen Kerth O´Brien) Stepping into the funeral home chapel I´m back on the ferry, twenty-three years ago, crossing from Holyhead to Dublin, my gait unsteady today as then, moor-less swells of the Irish Sea (or life, for...

I am still thinking of Kerth. I love to be reminded of her, to find her in incense and tea and ornate scarves and the ocean and wrapping presents beautifully and a stranger´s loud laughter. I learned a little calligraphy this summer and felt the thread that connects us. I am still so thankful for her vigorous love and support, and her acceptance above all. We were all so lucky to have our lives touched by her light. Thank you fairy godmother

CJ Kerth O´Brian, I didn´t know you but I currently reside in your previous apartment, as I have just received a piece of mail with your name on it. I have read through the incredible words about you and you seem like you were such a phenomenal human being, both loving and loved. I am honored to share space with your spirit here. Warmly, NB

Kerth was a true friend to us for over 30 years. We regularly enjoyed her warmth, her laugh, and her genuine interest in us. She graced our home for many Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, bringing her humor, intelligence, a thoughtful gift, and a delicious dish. She was "family" at weddings, birthdays, funerals, and interments. Kerth was always there for us, and always a friend. Today, 4 weeks since she passed, we still find it a hard truth that she´s no longer here. We miss...

So sorry to hear of Kerth's passing. Condolences to the O'Brien family. We were childhood friends and neighbors, with many great memories especially from our backyard campouts! Prayers for peace and comfort for the family.

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

The memories I hold close are the trips out to the West Coast to visit my Aunt Kerth in Portland. I can hear her laughing over a game of Scattergories, I can see her smiling at me while sipping tea in peaceful quietness, and I can feel her wonder and appreciation while looking out at the Pacific Ocean. I'll miss my Aunt Kerth dearly. Here's a photo at Multnomah Falls, August 2017.

Kerth was a dear friend of my family since before I was born. She called herself my fairy godmother. When I was a kid she read to me, played with me, and asked me real questions. She would record tapes of herself reading stories and singing songs for me to listen to. She invented a nickname for me and a signature drawing that she would put on every birthday card, just for us. She never forgot an inside joke, never gave a thoughtless gift, and never missed an opportunity to wrap something...