Nancy Marie O'Brien

1949 - 2026

Nancy Marie O'Brien
Born: July 13, 1949 in Joliet, Illinois
Died: January 10, 2026 in Joliet, Illinois
It is with heavy hearts that we honor Nancy Marie O'Brien, who passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of her children. Born on July 13, 1949, in Joliet, Illinois, Nancy lived a life devoted to her family and friends.
Nancy was a proud graduate of St. Francis Academy and later attended Joliet Junior College. She built a career marked by dedication and kindness, working as a bookkeeper at Mark's Service Center in Shorewood, Illinois, and later as a respected receptionist at Cornerstone Services. Her strong work ethic and warm, welcoming spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
A lifelong parishioner and leader at St. Patrick's Parish in Joliet, Nancy formed many of her closest and most cherished friendships there. She was also a loyal supporter of Joliet Catholic Academy and could often be heard enthusiastically talking about the Hilltoppers and Angels. Saturday mornings were especially dear to her, reserved for her beloved "Breakfast Club," a tradition filled with laughter, friendship, and joy.
Nancy's greatest love was her family. She was the ever-present and proud mother of Jim (Ann) O'Brien, Joe O'Brien, John (Gina) O'Brien, and Cyndi (Chris) Ebner. She was their biggest fan, faithfully supporting them in all their athletic and life pursuits, cheering them on at every opportunity.
Known lovingly as Nana, Nancy deeply cherished her grandchildren: Michael, Megan, Daniel, and John O'Brien; Clare and Cailyn O'Brien; Teagan and Maeve O'Brien; Hayley and Brenna Thomas; Kelby Kotowicz; and Kennedy and Kyle Ebner. Nana brought laughter, warmth, and unforgettable joy to every moment spent with them.
Nancy was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 32 years, Ronald O'Brien; her parents, Joseph and Mary Louise Garavaglia; her sister, Cynthia Garavaglia; her parents-in-law Donald and Ruth O'Brien; and her beloved daughter-in-law, Melissa O'Brien. Her legacy of love and passion lives on through her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Visitation for Nancy M. O'Brien will be held at the Farkas Funeral Home, 3201 West Jefferson Street Joliet on Friday, January 16, 2026 from 3 pm until 8 pm. Funeral Services will held from the Farkas Funeral Home on Saturday, January 17, 2026 beginning with prayers at 9:15 am to St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am with Rev. Michael Lane, Celebrant. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Joliet.
Funeral Arrangements with the family are under the direction of Richard J. Tapella, Funeral Director.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Joliet Catholic Academy Tuition Assistance Program: Joliet Catholic Giving Link: Joliet Catholic Academy Tuition Assistance Program
or
Vanderbilt University Medical Center – Ingram Cancer Center Fund. Vanderbilt University Medical Center - Ingram Cancer Center giving link: VUMC Ingram Cancer Center Giving Link