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BORN
1946
DIED
2021
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Karen O'Brien Obituary
South Bend - Karen Scherkenbach O'Brien of South Bend, IN, passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, June 4, 2021.
Karen was born on May 2, 1946 to Elmer and Marjorie Scherkenbach in Milwaukee, WI. After graduation from Alverno College, where she was student body president, Karen married her high school sweetheart, John O'Brien, at St. Raymond's Church in Mount Prospect, IL. Karen was a lover of books, flowers, and the arts, and she brought these passions to her work as an elementary school teacher and librarian. Her shared nurturing with John of their three children and devotion to their eight grandchildren, however, will always be her proudest accomplishment. Karen's joie de vivre and generosity of spirit impacted all those around her as witnessed hosting tailgates in the Notre Dame parking lot, vacationing on Nantucket, dancing to the Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen, reading to her grandchildren, or preparing an elegant dinner. Her attention to detail, care for those she loved, and commitment to social justice will leave a lasting mark for generations to come. Karen is survived by her husband, John O'Brien of South Bend, IN; six siblings: Cheryl (Rob) McGrath, Lee (Judy) Scherkenbach, Jed (Mary) Scherkenbach, Kurt (Audrey) Scherkenbach, Craig Scherkenbach, and Jeff (Kim) Scherkenbach; 3 children: Sean (Felicia) O'Brien, Meghan (Bret) Hendrickson, and Bridget (Andrew) Hoyt; and 7 grandchildren: Sophie O'Brien, Eleanor Hendrickson, Lucy O'Brien, Nat Hendrickson, Seamus O'Brien, Colm Hoyt, and Eoin Hoyt.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of Our Lady of Loretto, St. Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN, with Rev. Paul Kollman, C.S.C. officiating. Burial will follow at a later date in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Notre Dame, IN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Farm of the Child Honduras, visit www.farmofthechild.org to donate; or Hospice Foundation, Center for Hospice Care, visit https://foundationforhospice.org/donate/ to donate.
Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, IN is handling arrangements. To send condolences, please visit, www.kaniewski.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen O'Brien
Sponsored by Kaniewski Funeral Home - South Bend.
4 Entries
Patrice Miller
June 10, 2021
John, Richard and I are so sorry to hear of Karen's passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this time.
Con, Bernie & family
June 9, 2021
We were all so saddened to hear of Minkey’s passing, our heartfelt condolences to all the O’ Brien family at this very sad time. I especially will always remember Minkey as a very kind and happy lady always with a smile. A pleasure to have known Minkey if only for a short time. We will keep all of you in our prayers, Con, Bernie & family
Vern and Patty McGrath Jones
June 8, 2021
Deepest condolences and God bless the family.
Sue Mika
June 8, 2021
I am SO SAD to hear about Karen. She was my assistant at the Ivy Hill School Library in Arlington Heights, IL for many years before I retired. She was such a beautiful and thoughtful person. She would also substitute for me teaching in our computer lab. I could count on her for everything. I am stunned such a vibrant and loving person is gone. Sending love and prayers to John and the family.
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