Marilyn J. O'Brien

Marilyn J. O'Brien

Marilyn J. O'Brien, nee Burchett, age 87, at rest February 23, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Raymond J. O'Brien Sr.; Loving mother of Susan (Jim) May, Raymond Jr. (Therese) O'Brien, Robert (Patricia) O'Brien, Mary Beth O'Brien and William (Melissa Banchak) O'Brien; Cherished grandmother of Kelli (Kyle O'Connor) O'Brien, Raymond III (Kelly) O'Brien, Jack Banchak and Liam O'Brien; Proud great-grandma of Ella May O'Brien; Dear daughter of the late William and Loretta Burchett; Dearest sister of Carol Ann (late Larry) Cavin and the late Billy Burchett; Fond aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn Burchett was born and raised in Beverly. Her family was active and well known in their parish, Christ the King. She graduated from Academy of our Lady and went on to complete her undergraduate degree at Mundelein College.

Marilyn first set eyes on Ray OBrien while he was on the basketball court at Leo H.S. They met again a few years later, fell in love, and were married at Christ the King in May of 1960. They built their first home in St. Gerald's Parish and eventually moved to St. Linus where they raised their five children and created many wonderful memories while surrounded by extended family on either ends of Lockwood Ave.

She was a woman of strong faith - attending morning mass often with her babies by her side or picking up friends who needed a ride to and from church. She made time to bring Holy Communion to hospital patients and seniors in nursing homes. She volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society helping neighbors in their time of need. In her later years she became a Mercy Associate, meeting many wonderful, inspiring women. Her spirit soared while aging in wisdom and grace with her fellow associates.

Marilyn enjoyed an exciting career outside of the home that took her on fun-filled adventures all around the world... beginning in the Administrative Offices at United Airlines, to the Fur Dept. at Marshall Fields, and ultimately becoming a travel guide and co-owner of Custom Travel Services, Inc.

She had a competitive spirit that she often, but not always, kept hidden. As a young girl she loved playing volleyball with her classmates. She was thrilled to score a hole in one while golfing with her father at Beverly Country Club. Together with Ray, they enjoyed playing tennis where they made lifelong friendships that are treasured to this day. Those meaningful friendships led them on escapades near and far and a few bike trips that left some battered and bruised, but always ended with love and laughter, and many great stories to share. When her body told her it was time to slow down, she played bridge, visited art galleries and museums, went to the theatre, and enjoyed classical music at the Symphony Center, the Civic Opera House, and Millenium Park. She was always eager to visit new places, meet new people and learn new things. Her favorite activities took place outside. She loved to dig in the dirt and anyone who knew her, knew how much she loved to be in her garden. What a beautiful oasis she created with those two hands. She also thrived on her morning walks. She got her fill of nature while walking around the Wolfe Wildlife Nature Preserve near her home, collecting rocks on the shores of Lake Michigan, strolling the canals of Venice, taking in the beauty of Paris along the Seine, or stepping out with her favorite son-in-law on Paradise Rd. She delighted in being out and about. She was a fabulous cook and a great hostess, too! She loved hosting large family gatherings and celebrating all the holidays - especially Christmas. She made all our Christmas's magical! Every birthday, she made special! She put on elegant dinner parties for family and friends, holiday tea parties, and lovely summertime garden parties.

Shopping was more than a hobby to her. She loved to spend her afternoons at Oak Brook while her husband and the rest of the city cheered on the Chicago Bulls, Bears, and Blackhawks. Redecorating her home was another passion where she excelled.

When she could no longer participate in the fun activities she enjoyed her whole life, she accepted her challenge and learned to embrace new events and happenings. She became a master puzzler - putting 1,000 pc puzzles together, solving word puzzles, and playing word games on her phone. She learned to enjoy bingo, blackjack, balloon volleyball, painting, arts and crafts, and even the entertainment at Thirsty Thursdays. She joined the book club and found a new passion for reading. She also gained insight from her participation in the prayer group and bible study and was always interested in visiting the exercise room and riding the bike. And for a long, long time nothing got in the way of her Friday afternoon salon visits.

Marilyn made the best of everything! She lived her life to the fullest! She will be missed by many! She lives on in the hearts of those she loved and inspired. May she always be remembered for her warmth and kindness to others.

Memorial Visitation Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until time of Memorial Service 12:00 p.m. at Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Home, 9000 W. 151st St., Orland Park; Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery;

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org

For Funeral info 708-857-7878 or www.sheehyfh.com.