Julia Bernadette O'Brien

Dear Family and Friends,
Our mom's death Oct. 30, 2025 was sudden and a shock. However, to see her with make up and hair done, rings on her fingers, tells us that she was getting ready for her regular Thursday Fun dinner with 'The Church Ladies'! Think Prosecco, wine and lots of stories & laughter!
Our mom, Julia Bernadette Kelly was borm on Feb. 22, 1934 in Gortleatilla, Glenamoy, Co. Mayo Ireland and was one of thirteen children. Her sister Anne gave Julia her middle name.
Julia was a woman of incredible courage, exampled by her leaving Ireland on September 25, 1953 as a high school student to live with her Aunt Julia Brophy in Fargo, North Dakota, whom she had never met. When Julia asked her daddy for permission to go, he replied "opportunity, never knocks twice"!
Julia already knew what she wanted! Her childhood dream was to come to America and she got her wish.
One of her proudest moments besides her children, Gwyn, Glen & Brenda was becoming a Naturalized Citizen of the USA on December 1, 1960 in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
She still had the American flag she was given when she was sworn in.
Our mom's Catholic Faith was the basis of her life, her courage, her perseverance and joyous outlook on life! She firmly believed in the power of prayer and claimed her patron saint as Saint Jude as she called him 'the patron saint of lost causes'!
She never gave up on anyone or anything in prayer.
Her faith and tender heart made her cry easily for the hurts of others. She was quick to forgive & to seek peace.
Mom gave generously to everyone in need.
From the Catholic Church to single mothers, Salvation Army, Flanagan's Boys Town Indian reservations, education, the poor and needy and the Republican Party. She was a true believer in America, One Nation under God and our Constitution.
If you were a friend of Julie's, you were her friend for life. No matter the distance, she was a faithful communicator via postal mail and she took to the iPhone and Internet, like a duck to water!
In true Julie fashion, 'Everyone' is invited to attend her funeral.
10 AM Monday, Nov 17, 2025
St. Leo The Great Catholic Church
28290 Beaumont Rd.
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
239-992-0901
LIVE STREAM: Julia Bernadette O'Brien's Funeral at https://facebook.com/events/s/mass-of-christian-burial-for-j/691833507314904/? through a link in her obituary DOD 10/30/25 to Facebook, an account is not needed to access the funeral. Video will be available for 30 days.
In lieu of flowers, which her children are providing for the service.
Mass requests for Julia O'Brien and her deceased husband of 65 years, Edward J. O'Brien, 11/24/24 are treasured.
Mom's heart, was especially touched by the needs of children. She would have been grateful to know that you contributed to the 2025 Christmas appeal for:
Boys Town
The original Fr. Flanagan's Boys' Home
Boys Town, NE 68010
1-800-217-3700 boystown.org/give
Last year Fr. Flanagan's Boys Home provided direct care to 73,531 children in desperate need of help. For over 100 years they have kept at heart Father Flanagan's promise.
"The poor, innocent, unfortunate little children belong to us, and it is our problem to give them every chance to develop into good men and good women."
I will close with two quotes from our mom.
" I don't know where I would be without God."
"God bless you and God bless America!"
We look forward to God's promised reunion in eternal life with God and all of our loved one's.
With our Gratitude & Love,
Children: Gwyn, Glen & Brenda
Son-in-law's: Floyd & David DeMint
Grandchildren: Ian & Emma DeMint
Gwyn & Floyd's daughters: Kari, Courtney, Leslie & Lindsey
Sister: Anne Murphy
Sister-in-law's: Joan, Mary & Nora Kelly
Brother-in-law: Brian Harrington
Numerous nieces & nephews in the USA, Ireland, England & Germany