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Caroline O'Brien Obituary
Caroline was born on Oct. 19, 1998, and in her short life, she brought joy to so many. She loved to dance and sing and especially make people laugh. She loved school, shopping, soccer, lacrosse, painting pottery, swimming and sailing. Her most favorite thing to do was to spend time with her family and friends.
With the help of her family, she established a foundation called Caroline's Miracle Foundation, in order to raise funds for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma research, as well as help other children who have been diagnosed with this devastating brain tumor.
Caroline leaves behind her adoring parents, Michael and Jennifer (Bollo) O'Brien, as well as her adoring siblings, Emily, Brendan, and Abigail. She is also survived by her loving grandparents, G. Robert and Mary O'Brien and Paul L. and Nancy Bollo, all of Niantic. She has many "aunties and uncles" and so many cousins who are all heartbroken over her loss.
'Our Caroline' will always remain with us in spirit, as she has touched so many lives. Her tragedy has reminded us all that the simple things in life, like love and kindness, are truly the most important.
Her funeral services will be private, however, there will be a celebration of the gift of her life at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 24, in the Chapel of Christ the King Catholic Church in Old Lyme.
In lieu of flowers, please go out of your way to perform a kind and caring act for someone who needs your help right now. Please do this in sweet Caroline's honor. Small or large, she would have loved knowing that she was the inspiration for so many kind deeds!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Caroline O'Brien
Faith Hatheway
August 8, 2010
Mr.Mike and Mrs.Jen,
I am so sorry to hear about Caroline's passing away.She will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Faith -A school mate.
Mary & David McCourt
August 3, 2010
Our deepest sympathies to the entire O'Brien Family -Caroline is now a true everlasting angel, and the memory of her laughter and smiles should remind us all to enjoy our blessings.
Mary Bryant & David McCourt
Sarah Ormerod
July 25, 2010
I would love nothing more than to make a donation to Carolines Miracle Foundation. How would I go about doing so, any clues?
Gretchen Norko Ganey
July 25, 2010
Mike and Jen, no words can truely express how sorry I am for the loss of your Caroline. The service yesterday was a beautiful tribute to an amazing little girl. You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan Bauerfeld
July 25, 2010
You have been and will remain in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories of Caroline always bring you joy and comfort. Wishing you strength and peace in the days and weeks to come. Susan Bauerfeld (friend of Kate).
Don & Ginny Zitzkat
July 24, 2010
Mike, Jen and children
We are sorry to hear of Caroline's passing, and will keep you in our prayers. She was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. May her spirit live on in your lives and may God help you to find strength and hope in the future.
July 23, 2010
I have never met Caroline, but she seemed like she was a caring and thoughtful young lady. My thoughts and prayers go to her family and friends.-ST
July 23, 2010
No words can truly describe the joy you feel watching your children play and grow and overcome. And no words can describe the emptiness you must be feeling. Be thankful for the moments you had and the memories you will hold forever. We never truly pass away, we live on in the hearts and minds of the people who love us. I wish you all the strength I have to help you through this tragic time. God Bless you and keep you.
July 23, 2010
So Very Sorry for the Loss of your beautiful Little Daughter, May you find Comfort in knowing that she is in Gods hands singing with the Angels. Rest in Peace Precious Caroline.
angela
July 23, 2010
i didnt know her... but it sounds like she was a great kid. im sorry for your loss, but God needed an angel, and she was one of the best in his eyes. Dont be sad that shes gone, be happy that you knew her.
Sarah
July 22, 2010
I am very sorry for your loss. I lost a good friend of mine when she was 12. It wasn't easy;; i can't imagine what you are going through at this moment. my deepest sympathy and condolences
Terri Messier
July 22, 2010
Dear O'Brien family,
Words cannot express our sadness for the loss of your amazing daughter, Caroline. Our family feels blessed to have met Caroline & know she led a courageous battle. We can all learn from her strong spirit. The Messier family pledges to perform random acts of kindness every day in honor of Caroline.
With love,
Gary, Terri, Jacqueline, Katelyn & Brittany
Mary Cikatz
July 22, 2010
To the O'Brien Family,
Caroline's passing is a loss to everyone who ever knew her. Her strength and courage touched all of our souls. Please remember God's promise that He will never leave us. Caroline is now in His care and I'm know will help Him to watch over you.
July 22, 2010
DEAR MIKE & JEN
WE WERE VERY SADDENED TO READ ABOUT CAROLINE AND OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO YOU. HAVING KNOWN HER ALL HER LIFE MAKES IT SO MUCH HARDER TO BEAR. SHE WAS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL GIRL AND SHE WILL BE MISSED BY EVERYONE.
WITH OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY
DAVE & DENISE NAKLICK
Lisa Grenier
July 21, 2010
Dear O'Brien Family,
We were saddened to hear about Caroline's passing; she will be forever remembered for her smile and strength. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Lisa, Brian, Emily and Shawn Grenier
Pierre Bumgardner
July 21, 2010
A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.
--Author Unknown
On behalf of the Bumgardner Family our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pierre(Pedro), Liz, Aundre, Lourdes and Benjamin Bumgardner
Staci L&M
July 21, 2010
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your beautiful little girl. I was one of the techs that was blessed to have met her in her fight. She was an obvious fighter with such a loving family. No one should have to endure this loss. She has touched all of our hearts and will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers for your family.
July 21, 2010
Dear O'Brien Family
We are so sad to hear of Caroline's passing. Our hearts go out to all of you and we will continue to pray for your families during this tragic time. May you find some comfort and peace in the beautiful memories of Caroline. May God bless all of you and keep you close to him. Sending our love to all of you.
Patrick and Karen Murphy
Mike LeCour
July 21, 2010
Dear O'Brian Family,
We're deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Caroline. My wife, Sharon, met her at the library and remarked about how sweet, mature and outgoing she was. Our hearts and prayers go out to your family and sweet Caroline. She's in heaven now because that's where angels belong.
The LeCour Family (Mike, Sharon, Caroline, Audrey)
John Kycia
July 21, 2010
Dear Mike, Jen and the entire O'Brien/Bollo Families,
Words can't begin to say how saddened we were to hear of Caroline's passing. Our thoughts and prayers have been with you over the past year and will continue. May God bless you all during this trying time.
With our Deepest Sympathy, John, Diana, Jay & Matt Kycia
Michelle Bussolotti
July 21, 2010
Dear O'Brien Family, Our hearts go out to all of you and we are so greatful for the time we did have with Caroline. It seems like just yesterday when she and Shelby were in Brownies and first grade together! The amazing grace that your family taught all of us over this last year has been an inspiration and a blessing. She lives on through all of us and all of you. Mark, Michelle, Shelby and Mackenzie Bussolotti
July 21, 2010
our hearts go out to your family. my nine year old granddaughter was just diginost with brain stem glioma. we will keep your family in our prayers. the Millovitsch and smith family. Lisbon, Ct.
Mary Andersen
July 21, 2010
Dear O'Brien Family, My sincere condolences, and I hope you are comforted by loving memories of your beautiful child who shared her kindness with the world .
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, not touched. But are felt in the heart."
John Plourde
July 21, 2010
Dearest (((((Michael and Jennifer)))),
I am so very sorry to read of the death of your precious, beautiful, beloved daughter, Caroline …please accept my deepest condolences. Her precious smile will forever lighten up your saddest days of grief.
As another bereaved parent, there are no words that can help ease your pain related to this tragic event in your life, just know that I care and understand. I pray that you find the peace and comfort in the happy memories of your beloved daughter, Caroline. It is so very hard to read about another parent(s) suffering the horrible and tragic death of a child.
For me to tell you that you will feel like you did before this tragedy would be a lie. Each of us handles our grief differently. The tragic death of your daughter will forever change your life. My only advice is to take one moment at a time, embrace and comfort each other and your other grieving children, ride the waves of grief and devastation as they approach and don’t be afraid to express your feelings of grief. No matter what they may be. Find comfort in the support of your family and friends and let them help you in any way they can.
I truly understand how having a young daughter die can change your life. My 11 year old daughter, Danielle Marie was killed in a terrible auto accident in Sturbridge, Massachusetts in February of 2006. She died of a massive head injury at the scene of the accident.
Michael and Jennifer, you, your beloved daughter, Caroline and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers for continuous strength and comfort each day.
This I promise, in memory of precious Caroline, I will, each day, perform a kind or caring act for someone who needs help right now.
July 21, 2010
We may not even know who Caroline was, but she sounds like a wonderful girl. We will keep her in our thoughts and prayers and do an kind act in her behalf.
Pendleton Family
Jodi Huyler GSK
July 21, 2010
Dear Jen and family-
Although I didn't know Caroline and only met Jen a few times working at GSK, my deepest sympathy goes out to your famly in the loss of your daughter and sister. I will do my part to reach out and be kind to someone today in honor of sweet Caroline.
Wendy Guenther
July 21, 2010
Our hearts are deeply saddened by the loss of your beautiful Caroline. May precious memories of Caroline and the love of family and friends help you through this most difficult time. Caroline and your family are such an amazing source of strength, love and inspiration, you have all touched the lives of so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.
With Love,
Wendy, Dick, Hannah and Sam Guenther
Claire Waugh
July 21, 2010
Reading Caroline's obituary was both sad and inspiring. I have never met Caroline but will go out of my way today to do a random act of kindness in her name.
Michelle M. Murphy, Dir. of Communications, Northwest Catholic High School
July 21, 2010
On behalf of Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson and the entire Northwest Catholic High School community, I offer my deepest sympathy on the passing of beautiful Caroline. Because her father, Class of '88, and her uncles -- Robert ’80, Thomas ’81, and James ’84 -- are all part of our school family, we feel that she was, too, and our hearts are broken along with those of all her family and friends. Caroline will be remembered very specially at our first schoolwide Mass in September, and will of course be in our prayers during the difficult days and weeks to come. We are very, very sorry for your loss.
July 21, 2010
Dear O'Brien Family,
Your GSK Family mourns the loss of your darling Caroline with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of devastating loss. May God bless and comfort you.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Jim Robins
Beth Murphy
July 21, 2010
Mike & Jen,
Words cant even express what I am feeling for you. Knowing she is in a better place does not help, but I hope that it eases the pain just a little.
Love you
Beth Murphy
Beth Murphy
July 21, 2010
Mike & Jen,
Words cant even express what I am feeling for you. Knowing she is in a better place does not help, but I hope that it eases the pain just a little.
Love you
Beth Murphy
cheryl koltowich
July 21, 2010
god bless you and your family i didn't know her or you but am touched by her passing. I do live a life for others and will think different now of a little girl with a tender heart.
July 20, 2010
We were so saddened to hear of Caroline's passing. Her journey and your family's has taught us so many things and we are better people because of Caroline's courage and grace. We hope we can live up to her example and will never forget her smile.
Dave and Carol Starkey
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