Suzanne O'Brien

1935 - 2025

Suzanne O'Brien
08/11/1935 - 04/30/2025
Suzanne Jean O'Brien 8/11/35-4/30/25
Suzanne Jean "Susie" O'Brien (née Stewart), age 89, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, in Walnut Creek, California. A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Susie lived a full life centered on faith, family, and friends.
Born on August 11, 1935, in Peoria, Illinois, she was the beloved daughter of Nan and Raymond Stewart. She began her education at St. Philomena School, graduating in 1949, and continued on to the Academy of Our Lady, where she graduated in 1953. She later attended Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa.
Returning to Peoria after college, Susie married her high school sweetheart John O’Brien at Saint Bernard’s Church in Peoria (9/15/56-5/1/87). She began a career in banking before embracing her most cherished role: full-time mother to her two sons. After the birth of her first son the family moved to Dade City, Florida where she made many lifelong friends. Susie moved to Orinda, California in 1968 where she loved spending time with “Ladies of Lombardy Lane.” After her sons were grown she moved to Moraga Country Club. Her deep dedication to family remained the foundation of her life.
In 1989, Susie began a new chapter working at her family's restaurant, The Royal Exchange in San Francisco. Over the next 20 years, she became a beloved fixture in downtown San Francisco. Known for her welcoming presence and genuine care for both employees and patrons alike, she left an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of knowing her there.
She had a spirited passion for life and fun. In her youth, she was a regular at Hunts Drive-In in Peoria. In later years, she became an avid tennis player and longtime member of the Orinda Country Club. She enjoyed skiing trips to Lake Tahoe, Sun Valley, and Vail, and was a bridge player who treasured games with friends. Susie also enjoyed spending time with family and friends in Pajaro Dunes, Napa, and Hawaii.
Her love for her family was boundless. She never missed a birthday or a sporting event, she was always her children and grandchildren's biggest fan. Her Christmas Eve parties were legendary, a reflection of her love of entertaining and her generous spirit. Susie's parties were not to be missed (especially when she was serving her famous meatballs!)
Susie is survived by her sons, Michael O'Brien (Suzi) and Steven O'Brien (Melissa); her grandchildren, Mary Rotticci (Jack), Katie Wilson (Rhys), Patrick O'Brien, Fiona O'Brien, Billy O'Brien, and Jake O'Brien; and her great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Liam, and Niall. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nan and Raymond Stewart.
May the memory of Suzanne Jean "Susie" O'Brien be a lasting source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew and loved her.
A service will be held on May 20, 2025, at 10:30 AM. at St. Monica Catholic Church, 1001 Camino Pablo, Moraga. A celebration of Susie's life will follow at the Moraga Country Club, 1600 St. Andrews Drive, Moraga, California 94556.