Photo courtesy of Burns Funeral Home - Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nov 11, 1944 – Jul 12, 2025
Dolores M. O'Brien (née McCabe) passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Beloved wife of 52 years to Thomas O'Brien Sr. Devoted mom to Tommy (Michelle), Patrick (her favorite), and Franny (Jen). Cherished Mom-Mom to Sean (Alice), Meghan, Maura, Kassidy, Colin, and Liam. Dear aunt to Trish, Michael, Diane, and Jimmy. Also survived by her loving sisters-in-law, Kathy and Marie.
She grew up in Kensington in St Boniface Parish and was a super-proud graduate of the John W Hallahan Catholic Girls' High School. Her life was dedicated to "her boys", especially Patrick, where she worked tirelessly to ensure that he received the support and education he deserved. Her courage and commitment to advocacy inspired many, and her efforts made a lasting impact on our community. Dolores was a dedicated employee of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for over 20 years and was instrumental in the development of hot lunch programs at St. Ambrose and St Martin of Tours.
Dolores found great joy spending time down the shore in North Wildwood, where she always had a spot at the bar waiting for her at Keenan's. She was a proud member of the Elks Club and a dedicated Eucharistic Minister at St. Ambrose Church for many years. Her warm spirit, unwavering faith, and deep love for her family and friends touched everyone who knew her.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Dominic's Catholic Church (8504 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19136) from 9:00AM-11:00AM, followed by her Funeral Mass. Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to SPIN (Special People in the Northeast).
Forever loved, forever missed.
Offering prayers for Dolores’s family. We remember Dolores as a friend and co worker of our Mom’s, Catherine Sugden, at the hot lunch at St. Ambrose. A woman of service and love. Rest in God’s arms. The Sugden family
Cathy Sugden
July 17, 2025 | Wall, NJ | Acquaintance
Delores was a wonderful person to know her you had to like her .She was faithful to what ever she set her mind to help out in Pennypack with Patrick beside her with her .Delores will be missed by anyone she new. God has blessed everyone who new her with her personality. May you rest in peace Delores.
Prays sent for her family
Lee Laughlin
July 16, 2025 | Philadelphia, PA | Friend
Our second summer mom.....I don't have a beach memory without Dolores. She was a great person. And whether she was advocating with her words and actions or swinging her wiffle ball bat to try to keep "all the boys" (Tommy, Patrick, Franny, Marty, Timmy, Craig and Keller) in line- she was always looking out for everyone! Dolores will be greatly missed. I hope she's celebrating up there with family and friends, endless drinks & a forever full of great beach days!
Maureen Everly
July 16, 2025 | NC | Friend
Have so many wonderful memories
July 15, 2025
I worked with Dolores at St. Ambrose. She was the lunch lady and I was the careslady. We were truly a family there. She was loved and will never be forgotten. God be good to her. God bless her family especially Patrick.
Margie Cervantes
July 15, 2025 | Lewes, DE | Friend
I met Dolores and family through my parents, Norm and Kay and she was such a nice, friendly kind person. She always had a smile when I would see her down in North Wildwood. I always enjoyed talking with her. She will be missed. Will keep the family in my prayers.
Diane Voglesong Smith
July 15, 2025 | Springfield, Delco, PA
She became a good friend from the moment we met. I loved her and will always remember her friendship and the fun we had in Wildwood and Pennypack.
Maria McCabe
July 14, 2025 | Philadelphia, PA
