Helen O'Brien

1930 - 2018

Helen O'Brien

Eden - Helen Mae (Perron) O'Brien, age 87, of Eden, went to her heavenly home on Monday, January 8, 2018, surrounded by her family. Helen was born April 30, 1930 in the Garden of Eden, the daughter of Leo and Esther (Braun) Perron. She attended both Campbellsport High School and St. Mary Springs Academy, graduating from St. Mary Springs Academy Class of 1947. She married James D. O'Brien at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Eden on June 18, 1949. Together they farmed the O'Brien homestead in the town of Eden for nearly 60 years. Helen was a great support to Jim in his auctioneering business. Working together, they raised 10 children! Helen loved being a wife and mother and enjoyed time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Helen loved to garden, sing, play the piano, bake, cook and entertain. She made the best chocolate chip cookies and turkey dinners!

Helen was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Church, Eden, and for many years served as organist at the church. She was an active member of the Altar Society and Prayer Line and always helped with chicken dinners. She was a member of the Eden Lions Club , the Eden Firemen's Auxiliary and the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Those left behind to truly cherish her memory are nine of her ten children: Jean Green of North Fond du Lac; Jim O'Brien, Jr., Dennis O'Brien (friend Sue) and Karen O'Brien all of Eden; Tim (Corina) O'Brien of Campbellsport; Barbara (Michael) Senn, Patty O'Brien and Chris (Joe) Schiek, all of Fond du Lac; Maureen (Andy) Heimerl of Lester Prairie, MN; and her daughter-in-law, Patty Maxia O'Brien of Eden. She is further survived by her brother, Jerry (Bea) Perron of Harlingen TX; her sister-in-law, Sr. Michael O'Brien, CSA; brothers-in-law Pat (Marilyn) O'Brien, and Willie Gellings; 24 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and many special nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her son, Daniel O'Brien; her parents, Leo and Esther Perron; her sister and brother-in-law Jane and Art Ambroso; her brother, John Perron; her in-laws, James and Estelle O'Brien; four sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Florence and Frank Flood, Helen Gellings, Alice Michels Riegert (Arlyn Michels and Norb Riegert), and Tom and Coletta O'Brien.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 14, 2018 from 3:00 - 7:00 pm at Shepherd of the Hills Catholic Church, Eden, and again from 9:00 am until time of service on Monday, January 15th. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday January 15th at 10:30 am at the Church with Fr. Mark Jones officiating and burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Eden. Twohig Funeral Home is serving the family with online guestbook and condolences at www.twohigfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Shepherd of the Hills Catholic Parish or St. Francis Home of Fond du Lac. The family wishes to express its sincere and deep gratitude to the staff of St. Francis Home for their warmth, care and kindness to Helen and her family during her 2 ½ years at the home and to St. Agnes Hospice Hope.