Cynthia Agnes O'Brien

1921 - 2014

Cynthia Agnes O'Brien

11/01/1921 - 07/05/2014

Cynthia Agnes O'Brien was born Nov. 1, 1921, in Oakland, California to Thomas and Hyacintha Murray. She attended St. Jarlath grammar school, Notre Dame High School, (now St. Joseph Notre Dame), and Holy Names College, completing her RN certification at St. Mary's Hospital in San Francisco. During WWII, Cynthia joined the Navy Nurse Corps, working as a head nurse at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital. Cynthia was called back to service during the Korean War, and taught nursing to enlisted men at the San Diego Naval Station. She left that role as a full Lieutenant. Determined to hold out for the perfect mate, Cynthia waited until she met a handsome Marine Major, James John O'Brien, who had just returned from active duty. In 1952, they married. This Bay-Area woman was whisked away by her budding farmer to live on a ranch in Indio, California. Although initially not a fan of the desert summers, the wonderful home environment Cynthia created for her husband, their four children and many friends, won her over. She was lovingly known as "Muz OB," by many, and was often seen at the store stocking up on food and snacks to feed her numerous guests. Cynthia was very fond of practical jokes, and April 1st was one of her favorite days. No one escaped her shenanigans, including the nuns at her children's school who were tricked into eating chocolate covered soap! During the years her four children attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help elementary school, Cynthia was the school nurse and a frequent volunteer. In addition to school activities, she served on the board of the Community Blood Bank and belonged to the Indio's Women Club, CWA, and Catholic Daughters. Once their children were grown, Jim and Cynthia fulfilled a longtime dream and purchased a home in Lake Arrowhead, where they spent their summer months. Cynthia is survived by her husband, Jim; and children James Jr., Kathleen, and Thomas. She was predeceased by her youngest son, John, in 1993. She has seven grandchildren, (Summer Alexander, James O'Brien, Katherine Evertsen, Margaret Ballman, Elizabeth Schubert, Monica Sunderland and Claire Sunderland), and five great-grandchildren. Family and friends will gather to celebrate Cynthia's life on Friday, July 11, 2014, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Indio. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m., a Rosary at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Mass at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Indio Boys and Girls Club, 42-600 Cook St., Ste.#120, Palm Desert, CA 92211.

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