Ellen Allen O'Brien

Ellen Allen (Ryan) O'Brien, 87, of Lower Pottsgrove Township, PA, passed away on January 1, 2026, at Pottstown Hospital. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert M. O'Brien, until his passing on April 28, 2014.
Born on August 9, 1938, in Trenton, NJ, Ellen was the daughter of the late Honorable Judge Thomas Ryan and Josephine (Allen) Ryan.
Ellen graduated from Cathedral High School in 1956 and from Berkley Secretarial School in 1958, where she laid the foundation for her career as a secretary with the State of New Jersey. In her younger years, she enjoyed modeling in New York and New Holland, an experience that stayed with her throughout her life and was reflected in her love of high fashion.
An avid reader, Ellen especially enjoyed Agatha Christie novels. Her faith was central to her life, and she was a devout Catholic and a dedicated parishioner of Saint Aloysius Church. While there, she generously gave of her time through her work with Birthright and other organizations that supported unwed mothers.
Above all, Ellen had a deep love for caring for others, including animals, and cherished time spent with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Ellen will be lovingly remembered by her children, Mary Ellen (John) Colon, Josephine Bruno, Catherine (Thomas) Hatrak, and Matthew O'Brien; her stepdaughter, Esther Williams; her cherished grandchildren, Christopher, Maria, Tina, Phillip, Tanya, Ricky, and Sean; and her brother, Thomas Ryan. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, Ryan, Nicholas, Alessandra, Daniel, Myron, Noah, and Giovanni; one great-great-grandson, Ryan Jr.; and her nieces and nephew.
In addition to her husband and parents, Ellen was preceded in death by her granddaughters, Noél Bruno and Samantha Bruno.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Houck & Gofus Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 955 N. Charlotte Street, Pottstown, PA 19464. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ellen's memory to the Montgomery County SPCA.