Melissa Elizabeth "Missy" O'Brien

Melissa Elizabeth "Missy" O'Brien

Surrounded by the love of her family, Missy O'Brien (nee Studer) passed away at the age of 46 on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at her home in Shorewood. Missy was born on October 10, 1978, in Joliet, IL.
Missy is survived by her high school sweetheart and devoted husband of 21 years, Joe. They found immense joy in raising their daughters, Clare and Cailyn, who are truly cherished. Missy's parents, Dan and Christine (nee Jaworski) Studer, instilled in her the values of family. Together with her siblings, Daniel (Brennan) Studer and Natalie (CJ) Eich, they grew up in a fun and loving home and constantly supported each other. She is also survived by her grandma, Elaine Studer, who has been a significant part of her life. Missy was welcomed into the O'Brien family by her mother-in-law, Nancy O'Brien; brothers-in-law, Jim (Ann) O'Brien, and John (Gina) O'Brien and sister-in-law, Cyndi (Chris) Ebner, and was treated as family. Her treasured nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and countless friends, whom she loved so much, also brought light and love to her life.
Missy was a bright light in the lives of all who knew her, but shone brightest as a mom. Her greatest pride and joy were Clare and Cailyn, whom she loved fiercely. She enjoyed nothing more than watching her girls compete and was always their biggest supporter. Missy approached motherhood with endless energy, warmth, and comfort, always putting her family first. Clare and Cailyn will carry on her legacy of strength and compassion, knowing that their mom will always be with them.
Missy was known for her beautiful smile, and one thing that brought many smiles was being with friends and family. Whether it was being on vacation in the Outer Banks, Florida, or Galena, or opening up her own home, she always made everyone feel welcome and cared for. She loved planning events and parties, and lived a life defined by selflessness. Missy was magnetic, where people were drawn to her. They valued her honest opinion, acceptance, quick wit, and sound advice, but above all, her infectious personality.
Missy was a proud graduate of St. Raymond's grade school and Joliet Catholic Academy ('96), where she was not only on the cheerleading team but also enjoyed cheering for Joe and made the most amazing friends. She continued on as a Redbird to earn her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Science from Illinois State University. Professionally, Missy worked as a Clinical Dietitian for many years, most recently at the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Her favorite position by far was as the Nutrition Director at the Will County Senior Services Center.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Dorothy (Jaworski) Bucciarelli, Delso Bucciarelli, John Jaworski, Ronald Studer, and her father-in-law, Ronald O'Brien.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the countless friends and families who walked by Missy's side throughout this journey. We would also like to extend gratitude to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Northwestern Memorial Hospital for their extraordinary care, especially Dr. Padmanabhan (Dr. P), Dr. Agarwal (Dr. A), Dr. Kircher, and home health nurse, Colleen Black. Also, to Dr. Colleen Kiernan and Ashley Ready, PA, for their guidance and for opening their home to Missy, Joe, the girls, and their family. In addition, thank you to Plainfield East High School and PSD 202 for your support and compassion. We are grateful to Minooka High School, Minooka Junior High, and Illinois Dream Basketball for their empathy and for always supporting Clare and Cailyn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Missy's name can be made to:
The Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center:
Or, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University:
Funeral Services for Melissa O'Brien will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, to Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 Brook Forest Ave, Shorewood, IL, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home chapel on Monday, May 26, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.