Barbara A. O’Brien

Loving Mother and Grandmother

Watertown-It is with profound sadness that the family of Barbara A. (Smith) O’Brien age 83 formerly of Watertown, share the news of her passing on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at the Residence at Brookside in Avon CT. She was the widow of John Butler O’Brien, her devoted husband of 56 years who passed in 2019.

Mrs. O’Brien was born on September 18, 1941 in Holyoke MA the daughter of the late:George L. and Hope (Brittain) Smith. Barbara received her associate’s degree from Mattatuck Community College and worked for many years as a Sales Associate for Merrill Lynch, working in several offices including London England, Southbury and New Haven.She and her husband Jack, spent much of their lives living and raising their family in Watertown. Her family is pleased to celebrate the life of a remarkable woman who brought so much fun and laughter to those around her. Known for her love of shopping and fine dining, she and her husband spent memorable moments creating heartfelt experiences with family. One of their greatest joys was traveling the world, having spent 6 years in London. This allowed family and friends to visit the UK as well as Europe. The family enjoyed many vacations to the Florida Keys, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico as well as annual trips to Cape Cod. These cherished trips were filled with special memories, particularly with their beloved grandkids, who held a special place in their heart. Though she has left us, her spirit and the countless joyful memories shared will forever remain in our hearts.

Left to cherish her memory, are her children and their families’: her son, Colin O'Brien and his wife, Kim of Canton, CT, and their children: Connor and Mackenzie, her daughter, Erin Bennett of Cheshire and Erin’s children: Jeremy and Jack and her sister, Christine Smith of Southbury and sisters in law: Patricia Sensenig of Lititz, PA and Geraldine Alley of Easton,PA. Barbara was predeceased by her sister-in-law, Gail Zapp of Phillipsburg NJ.

Relatives and friends may visit with Barbara’s family on Saturday, October 12th from 2:00until 4:00 p.m. at Casey-O’Neill Funeral Home 742 Main St Oakville CT 06779. A church service will be held on Sunday, October 13th at 9 a.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church 262 Main Street, Oakville. If you wish to offer a message of condolence or share a memory,please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Audubon Society in memory of Barbara: https://act.audubon.org. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence or words of comfort or share a memory of someone important to you with your family and friends. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so.