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BORN
1930
DIED
2025
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Velma O'Brien Obituary
May 12, 1930 – June 5, 2025
Velma Margaret O'Brien, age 95, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord on June 5, 2025 in Bakersfield surrounded by family.
Velma was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband of 57 years, Earl Ray O'Brien and by her parents, Alfred and Emma Wiesner of Richmond, Kansas, brothers, Alfred and Joseph Wiesner, her sisters Sister Emerentia, Marion Rigier, Florence Lyon, and her twin, Thelma Cummings.
Velma is survived by her nine children and their spouses: Anthony O'Brien and wife Brenda, Tricia McCoy and husband Jeff, Linda Holt and husband Mike, Cathy Reese and husband Don, Janet Howze and husband Michael, Joseph O'Brien and wife Lori, Alan O'Brien, Tom O'Brien and wife Monique, Eddie O'Brien and wife Janny, 28 grandchildren and spouses, 53 great-grandchildren and spouse, 9 great-great-grandchildren plus 1 on the way! Also, Velma's sisters, Rose and husband Fred of Lane, KS, Frances DeJarnett and husband Elroy of Bedford, TX and brother, John Wiesner and wife Mitzi of Garnett, KS, Denny O'Brien and his wife JoJo of Lake Havasu, AZ, and numerous nieces and nephews. Special and longtime friends include The Women of Wisdom (WOW), Canasta, Domino and Marriage Encounter groups, Kathy Harrington and musician Mark Hokit of Wasco who recently wrote a special song for mom's 95th birthday (God Bless the Mother of the Family O'Brien".)
Velma graduated from Richmond High in Richmond, KS where she met the love of her life, Earl. She was a cheerleader and he was on the opposing basketball team. Velma was a member of OLPH, a former member of Saint Theresa's Catholic Church in Shafter where she participated in the church choir and the Alter Societies of both parishes. She was active in Marriage Encounter and especially enjoyed the group trip to Rome in 1975. She retired after 20 years as a manager at the Community First Bank in Shafter. Velma loved playing Jokers and card games with anyone who was up to the challenge. Velma also was known for her family favorite Cinnamon Apples, Autumn (raisin) cake and Blackberry Cobbler.
Velma lived her faith, took an active interest in the lives of her children and loved her husband Earl without end.
Services will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 124 Columbus St., Bakersfield with a Rosary at 9:30 AM followed by mass at 10:00 AM and graveside services at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 3700 River Blvd, in Bakersfield.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Rd., Maple Mount, KY 42356 https://ursulinesmsj.org/
www.bakersfield.com/obits
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Memories and Condolences
for Velma O'Brien
Sponsored by Greenlawn Funeral Home Northeast.
4 Entries
Liz Lopez Byrnes
June 18, 2025
I'm thinking of you all on this day. When I saw that your mother had passed, it hurt my heart too. She was always so dear and special to me and she treated me so kindly. My condolences to the O'Brien family.
Elida (Gonzales) Capilla
June 16, 2025
What a beautiful person Mrs. O'Brien was. Her smile lit up a room. I was lucky enough to be invited to dinner and a sleep over. What fun we had and a wonderful dinner too. I loved all the stories the children shared and how everyone helped with cleanup. Their team work was beautiful. It takes love and a lot hard work. Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien made it look like fun. I will always cherish her and her kindness.
Prayers for all of you from me.
Elida
Randy Trout
June 12, 2025
I am very sorry for your loss I will always remember her with a big smile on her face whenever I would walk into the bank. Your mom and dad were very special people I feel very lucky to have known them.
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