Julia E. "Judy" O'Brien

Julia E. "Judy" (Coffman) O'Brien, of Bloomfield Hills, MI died July 1, 2024. She was 87 years old. She was born November 16, 1936, in Detroit, MI to the late Charles and Helen Coffman.
Judy adored her husband Jerry (Phillip) who predeceased her and her children, she was a devoted daughter to her parents and a loving sister to her siblings. Her devotion and adoration included her in-laws, Cletus and Milmer O'Brien.
Judy and Jerry met and fell in love at Visitation High School. After high school Judy attended Providence Nursing School and began her career as a nurse. When Jerry came back from the Korean war Judy and Jerry married, together, they began their life journey which resulted in 65 years of happy marriage. When Judy's children were in school, Judy returned to school earning her bachelor's in nursing from Wayne State University. She was a proud alum of Wayne State University. Judy was a compassionate and dedicated nurse in local area hospitals. After Judy retired from nursing, she and Jerry moved to Milford. Judy's giving and compassionate nature drew her back into nursing, this time as a volunteer hospice nurse in the Milford community. She tended to her patients in their final hours with the comfort and love she gave to all those who were fortunate enough to be in her presence. As devoted Catholics, they raised their children in the Catholic faith, sending their children to Catholic schools and attending weekly mass as a family. Jerry and Julia, by example and deed, provided their children with a moral compass to guide them through their lives. Judy bestowed on her children the love of animals, nature, music, and the arts. Judy was an accomplished pianist. Jerry used to love to listen to how beautifully Judy played their favorite songs on her piano. The Detroit Zoo was a wonderful regular excursion for Judy's children. Judy also volunteered at the Detroit Zoo as a docent, sharing her love and knowledge of the Zoo with its many visitors. Weekends and holidays were happily spent with family. Judy and Jerry took their children on idyllic annual summer trips to Michigan's beautiful lakes and other lovely destinations.
Judy and Jerry also loved to dance and travel. They were very charitable to the worthy causes they supported, especially the theatre and the arts. Most importantly they shared a lifelong and enduring love for each other.
Dear wife of 65 years to the late Jerry (Phillip) O'Brien; beloved mother of Micheleen (Howard) Hughes, Colleen (James) Rivamonte, Eileen O'Brien, the late Phillip O'Brien and William (Shelly) O'Brien; adoring Grandmother of Michael (Clare) Rivamonte, Ryan (Amanda) Rivamonte, Chelsea Hughes, Emily (Chris) Haskins and Daniel O'Brien; Great-grandmother of Charlotte, Everly and Paxton. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. Judy will be dearly and eternally missed by all of us who loved her so much.
Judy is preceded in death by her brother William Coffman, and her sister Eileen Barry.
The O'Brien children were blessed to have such wonderful and devoted parents.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Mary Our Lady of the Snows, 1955 E. Commerce St., Milford, MI, on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Gathering to begin at the church at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Judy to The Special Olympics Michigan, 160 68th Street SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548or a Humane Society of your choice, would be appreciated.