Barbara Louisa O'Brien

BARBARA LOUISA O'BRIEN JAN 18, 1948 - DEC 18, 2010 Barbara Louisa O'Brien was born on January 18, 1948 in Hanover, New Hampshire. In the early morning hours of December 18, 2010, our beloved Barbara, age 62, slipped away to heaven peacefully at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House in Hughson, California. At her bedside in her final hours were her father Francis O'Brien, son and daughter-in-law Robert and Renee Bisnett, and many brothers and sisters. For the last six years, Barbara courageously struggled with her illness and, where most would have surrendered, she battled courageously to the very end. Barbara was genuine and gracious, with a smile that would brighten your day. The greatest gift about Barbara was her compassion and care for others that needed help or just a friendly gesture. Prior to her illness, Barbara worked as a cashier at O'Brien's Market at Roseburg Square. She took her job to heart and was very energetic and cheerful to all her'' customers. Barbara became personal friends with many of her customers and would tend to their needs, no matter how small or trivial. She was especially fond of the elderly customers and would make home visits, have tea, and take them to appoint-ments...anything to help them through their day. Barbara last resided at Riverbank Nursing Center and her care and concern for the elderly continued as she would visit with her new friends by comforting them and helping in any way she could...even though she was gravely ill herself. Barbara was the loving mother of daughter Shylo Bisnett of Chicago, Illinois, and sons Robert Bisnett of Clovis, California, and Brett Bisnett. She was delighted to recently become a grandmother to Gustav Sobolak, her daughter's son. Barbara is survived by her father, Francis E. O'Brien and her caring and supportive 13 sisters and brothers: Mary Cook, Colleen Preston, Therese Schmidt, Patty Ward, Joanne Homan, Charles O'Brien, Michael O'Brien, Richard O'Brien, Joe O'Brien, Tom O'Brien, Jim O'Brien, Fran O'Brien, and John O'Brien. In addition, she is survived by many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. She will be missed by all.We take comfort that she now accompanies her mother, Anna Marie, in heaven. Services will be held Thursday, December 23, at the St. Stanislaus Catholic Community Church, 709 J Street. A Rosary will be said at 9:00 AM and at 9:30 AM, Father Michael Kelly will be the officiant for the Mass of Christian Burial. Our heartfelt thanks go to Ed Auen, MD, Riverbank Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, and Community Hospice. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto 95356. www.modbee.com/obituaries