Carleen Dorothy Brosnan

Carleen Dorothy Brosnan (O'Brien), 74, of Salem, passed away on Monday December 8, 2025, at home, after a recent battle with lung cancer. Carleen was a lifelong resident of Salem, born to parents Dorothy A. (Frye) and Louis J. O'Brien. She was the second of 3 children, having both an older sister Donna, and a younger brother, Shawn. She attended Salem Public Schools, graduating high school in 1969, then graduated from Marion Court College in 1971 with a secretarial degree. She worked as a legal secretary and office manager extraordinaire for approximately 40 years for Attorney Kenneth E. Lindauer in Salem.

Carleen was married three times, and jokingly said she had to keep getting married in order to have health insurance! She was a dedicated and loving mother to her only daughter, Heather. She was happily married to Barry Brosnan for 24 years, before he passed away in 2023. They used to play pool out of the Press Box in Beverly, and while she may not have had a high handicap, she was competitive and had fun doing it. They once took a cruise to South America and she always wanted to return, retiring barefoot in Belize. She did not get to live out that dream because she retired early to provide childcare for her beloved granddaughter, Rowan.

Carleen loved to laugh and share that laughter with others. She always had an ear to listen and made impactful connections with others, whether she knew you for years or hours. She was always there for family, those who are like family, friends and neighbors. She was biologically Mom to one but considered Mom by many. She will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Carleen is survived by her daughter, Heather Ann McClain and her significant other Jason Nicholson, her granddaughter Rowan Nicholson, her sister Donna Bakoian, her especially loving brother Shawn O'Brien and his wife Tish, five nephews, cousins, great niece and nephews, great- great nephews and many friends and loved ones. She was welcomed into heaven by her husband, Barry.

ARRANGEMENTS: We invite all who want to remember Carleen to Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal Street in Salem, on Tuesday December 16, 2025. Visiting hours are from 9 AM - 11 AM, with a service immediately following at 11 AM. Carleen loved her flowers, but if you prefer to honor her memory via donation, please consider giving to the Jimmy Fund.