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Amy O'Brien Obituary
GROTON - Amy E. O'Brien, 53, of Peru Rd., Groton, died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on October 13, 2008.
Upon receiving her BA from the University of Buffalo, she worked at Challenge Industries and Hutchings Psychiatric Center in Syracuse before devoting herself to raising her three children and providing daycare to many, up until her diagnosis in December of 2007.
Amy was an inspiration to many who grew up under her care as well as the younger children that she had been caring for before her illness, all of whom display the values instilled in them by her. She was a communicant of St. Anthony's Church in Groton, the Groton American Legion Auxiliary and a longtime member of the Corona Club's Ladies Bowling League where many fond memories were made and the song "Build me up Buttercup" always brought a smile.
Amy was an especially caring wife and mother, enjoying her time spent around the home and at Owasco Lake planting flowers, fishing, watching birds, playing with her Golden Retrievers and enjoying the "one or two" Bud Lights. She was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and with her husband, they would listen to or watch many Yankee games over the years and even though she would never admit it, she sort of liked NASCAR. Once when asked if she would like to travel, she stated, "All I want and need is at home."
Survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Tom; son, Thomas; daughter, Sally; sister, Kathleen; brothers, Kevin and John; nephew, Patrick; niece, Emily; along with aunts, uncles and cousins and numerous friends. Amy was predeceased by her daughter, Molly in 2002.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 17, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony's Church in Groton. Interment will follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday, October 16, 4-8:00 p.m. at the Zirbel Funeral Home, 115 Williams St., Groton. (The family extends the invitation to relax and join them at the Groton American Legion for refreshments and sharing memories following the service.)
Memorials may be made in Amy's name to the Groton Fire & Ambulance Department or to Hospicare of Ithaca.
The family would like to thank all of the relatives and friends who offered support during this difficult time, Dr. Bael and Dr. Bates and their staff as well as the wonderful Oncology nurses and Cayuga Medical Center's staff, especially the Imaging Department and the caring staff at Hospicare.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Amy O'Brien
Nadine (Zhe) VandeWalker
November 4, 2008
"I am sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers."
Sandie Browngardt
October 27, 2008
I was saddened to hear about Amy. I had the pleasure/honor of knowing Amy when we worked together at Hutchings. She was an absolute joy to be around. I will always remember her quick wit and smile! She touched more lives than anyone will ever know. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Valerie (Drake) Zbinden
October 23, 2008
To the O'Brien & Franklin Families - I was 1 year ahead of Amy in high school, but we were both part of the crowd that hung around together. I knew Amy to be a fun filled person with a big heart and quick smile. My thoughts and prayers are with both families.
Dale Lockwood
October 22, 2008
OB and Family,
I can never find the words for times like these. From all the postings I've read in this guest book, it shows how important she was to each and everyone of us. Our thoughts are with you.
Dale & Patty Lockwood
Michael Conger
October 21, 2008
OB, Thomas, and Sally,
We want you all to know how sorry we are for you loss.
As you go through life there are people that make an impact on you and Amy was most definitely one of those people.
A truly caring person who was always there for all of her friends and for anyone else for that matter. She was always the person to bring up a room or party and always with that great wit and sense of humor. I will always have nothing but fond memories of Amy and that quick smile.
Things like this should not happen but we are all blessed to have known and had Amy as a friend and are better people because of her friendship.
You are all in the thoughts and prayers of the Conger family.
Love,
Mike, Patsy, Nancy and Mattie Conger
Sue Greene
October 20, 2008
OB and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Although I had not seen Amy for many years, the years I spent with her were full of fun and laughter. She could always make me smile and I know she did that for a lot of people in her lifetime. My thoughts are with you all.
Greenie
Richard Cogswell
October 19, 2008
Sorry for your loss. Her smile will always be remembered and she will be sadly missed.
"Jose"
(Dick Cogswell)
Marna Cogswell
October 18, 2008
I loved Amy, her spirit, her nature, her soul. She was a blessing in my life and I"m sure the angles know they are in great company now! OB, Thomas and Sally, my prayers are with you. Love, Marn Barn
Lisa Tvaroha (MacLeod)
October 17, 2008
I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. I will miss seeing Amy at karaoke, although she'll be there in spirit. My thoughts are with you and your family during this time.
Mark Lillie
October 17, 2008
Tom I'm so sorry for your loss.May our Load and God in heaven bless you and all your family with the striength to deal with your loss. God Bless you all, Mark Lillie
Mary Jo DuBrava
October 17, 2008
O'Brien's
I am so sorry for your loss. I don't think I ever saw Amy when she wasn't smiling. She will be missed by many. She will not be alone, Molly has her mom now and there is comfort in knowing they are together. Please accept our condolences.
The DuBrava's
Herb Beckwith
October 17, 2008
To Tom and Family,
We were very sorry to hear about Amy. We wish we could be there but hope you know you are always in our thoughts and prayers. Herb & Linda
Joanie Massman (Parker)
October 16, 2008
Dear OB and family; I just heard about Amy's passing and it took the wind out of me. I am so very sorry for your loss. Although I don't get back to Groton very often, if there is ever anything I can do for you, please let me know. My thoughts are with you.
Mary Gutchess
October 16, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Beth Underwood
October 16, 2008
Dear Tom, Thomas, and Sally:
Always know that Amy was loved by all that she came to know. We have been neighbors for years and I will always remember her laugh and smile that she had for everyone. She will be greatly missed by all who know her. She will always be in everyones heart.
The Scotts (Beth, John, Tara, and Lawrence)
Greg and Diane Shields
October 16, 2008
Dear OB and kids
We are at a loss for words about the new of Amy. She was as well loved as anyone in our recent memory around Groton. You can be proud of her body of work both professionally and personally. She was a hot ticket with a smile for everyone. Our thoughts are with you today and forever.
Greg and Diane Shields
Lori Griffin Wilson
October 16, 2008
I can't express in words just how saddened I was to hear of Amy's illness and passing. People come in and out of our lives daily, but we never forget the people and friendships from long ago. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Barbara Walpole
October 16, 2008
Dear OB, Thomas and Sally,
Amy was truly one of a kind.
I will miss our visits.
May she watch over and guide us all.
God bless the O'Brien family.
Love, John and Barb Walpole and family
Laura Lee Scutt (Ivory)
October 16, 2008
OB and family....we will all miss amy....she was a great person and full of fun!....while in school and out......memories are forever....
Laura Lee Scutt (Ivory)
Paula Brunelle(Henry)
October 16, 2008
My most heartfelt condolences to the Franklin and O'Brien families.
I have very fond memories of Amy when we were Elm Street neighbors in Groton.
Rick & Linda Kain
October 16, 2008
Dear OB, Tom and Sally, What a wonderful person Amy was. She was so vivacious, outgoing and her smile touched everyone she came in contact with. She will truly be missed. Our sympathy and prayers are with you and your family.
Gail Keenan
October 16, 2008
Amy meant so much to so many. God bless her and the O'Brien family. Amy you touch the lives of so many children, my daughter will forever adore you.
Bill O'Sullivan
October 15, 2008
OB, Cubby, Kathy.
Sorry for your loss. Nice to know she never changed since she was a neighbor on Elm. Always a truly good person. I'll miss her at Old Home Days.
Lesley Tillotson
October 15, 2008
OB, Thomas & Sally: no words to express my heartfelt thoughts and love for Amy and all of you... the generosity, the openness, her strength and joy of life...she had that ability to be really clear about life and go forward with it- and a sense of humor to go with it!
My thoughts are with you always
Love, Lesley
Kathy Belonsoff
October 15, 2008
Tom, Thomas, and Sally,
Our hearts are deeply saddened. What a wonderful free spirit Amy was. She touched so many lives and her memories will live on forever. God Bless all of you and Thank you, Amy for all the memories you have given us. You will be greatly missed!!
AJ Bennett and The Belonsoff family.
Cathy Bishop
October 15, 2008
Dear Tom, Thomas and Sally,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Amy's passing. She was a great woman, mom and wife. Amy was always happy and cheerful when she saw you. She will truely be missed by so many, but I know she will never be too far away from our thoughts. She and Molly can watch out for the rest of us from heaven. God bless you and your family at this difficult time.
Love, Cathy and Jim Bishop and family
Rick Petrovich
October 15, 2008
Sorry to hear about the loss of Amy. Our hearts go out to the family. One of the benefits of being from a small town is that everyone knows everybody. God Bless
Rick & Julie Petrovich
Reagan Lillie-Garcia
October 15, 2008
I am privileged to have known Amy. You have my deepest sympathy.
Karl & Sherry Jones
October 15, 2008
OB and Family,The fish in Owasco Lake can now breath a collective sigh of relief.We will miss Amy forever.
Ronald Petersen
October 15, 2008
dear tom and family: such a dear freind and groton aluma taken from us.my the good lord be with you and always remember the good times. sorry for the loss and hope you all find what you need in the future with the lord. god bless.
Peter, Evelyn and Erika Alexander
October 15, 2008
Dear Neighbor,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
The Alexanders
Barb Shufelt
October 15, 2008
Although there were many years that Amy and I lost touch, she will always have a special place in my heart. There are many fond memories of the times in Dryden as roommates. My prayers are with all who were close to Amy.
Thedy Giglio
October 15, 2008
Kathy,
We are so sorry to hear about your sister...if you need anything call us.
Love,
Thedy and Tony
Mike Quinn
October 15, 2008
Dear OB Sorry to hear the news. She always made me laugh and would brighten any room with her smile.
rene palmer
October 15, 2008
Dear Tom, Thomas, and Sally
Our sympathies and prayers go out to you and all your family at this very difficult time. We will always remember all the fun times we had up on Dog Hill with Amy as the life of the party. Amy was a very special person and we have been blessed to know her.
Rene and Don Palmer
Mike Shufelt
October 15, 2008
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Juleene Conner
October 15, 2008
May God Bless you, Amy, and all those who love you. My thoughts and prayers are with all.
Marney Thomas
October 15, 2008
Dear O'Brien Family
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You do not know me but I knew of Amy because of the Lockwood family. Kristie works with me and had often shared stories about how wonderful Amy was as a caregiver. Through Kristie, I found out about all the fun and interesting things that Garrett and Reese experienced. Making a difference in the lives of children is one of the most important things any of us can do in life and perhaps may give you some comfort to know that your loved one made a difference for many children.
Deb & Dave Billups
October 15, 2008
"Those we love are never really lost to us, we feel them in so many special ways... through friends they always cared about and dreams they left behind. In beauty that they added to our days... in words of wisdom we carry with us and memories that never will be gone. Those we love are never really lost to us-- for everywhere their special love lives on."
Peace, light & love to you, OB, Thomas & Sally
Travel well, dear friend...
Jeff Beyel
October 15, 2008
To the OB family,
We just got news here in Camden, North Carolina. You guys have never been far from our hearts and our son, Tyler, as well as Jill and I were truly blessed by our time with Amy and the family. We wish we could be there and are sending along our prayers. God blessed us all with Amy and we are so thankful she was able to touch our lives in some way. Nothing can ever replace her but, we are certain, she will reach into the future for many decades to come.
May God and his tender mercies comfort you
Love
Coach Jeff Beyel
Jill Beyel
Tyler Beyel-one of Amy's extended family members
MARYRUTH SHIELDS
October 15, 2008
OB & family
Amy will be dearly missed, my prayers are with you and your family.
Marlene Waite (Maye)
October 15, 2008
Tom, Thomas, & Sally,
So Sorry to hear about your loss, my deepest thoughts and prayers are with you at such a difficult time!
Meegan & Jamie Babcock
October 15, 2008
Our thoughts go out to you all at this diffucult time. Amy was a wonderful person, she will be deeply missed!
Ruth and Gerry Breeds
October 15, 2008
O.B. We will miss Amy at the Legion and the bowling alley. I reallt love her and will miss her smile You are all in our heart and prayers
Margie Figgolari
October 15, 2008
Tom, I am so sorry to hear of Amy's passing. She was such a trooper about having cancer. I am so very happy I got to see and speak with her at old home days. I really enjoyed the time I got to spend with all of you at the Lake - very peaceful. We all have a new guardian angel to watch over us. May there be better days ahead for you and your family. Amy will be missed by many. Life is too short - we all should make the most of it while we are here - Wish I could be there for you and your family - Hugs, Margie
Cathy Wetterer
October 15, 2008
Amy brought so much to our lives especially helping me raise Nicole. All the fun times bowling and partying at the lake (Am Dog as Ken would put it). We will always have fond memories of Amy and the wonderful person she was. Thank you all for sharing Amy with us. We love all of you.
Joann Morrison
October 15, 2008
Dear OB, Sally & Thomas,
I can't begin to tell you what your family has meant to me and my family over the years. Amy was like a second mom to my Amy and all of Sal's other friends. We have wonderful memories and are blessed to have known Amy and your entire family. The limo ride on Sal's 21st with all the moms was special. You are in our thoughts and prayers always.
Joann Morrison
Bob & Connie Short
October 15, 2008
Although we had the pleasure of knowing Amy for only a few short years, she made a lasting impression. Amy posessed a truly remarkable spirit that she shared with all around her. We will miss her.
Lauren McCabe
October 15, 2008
Our deepest sympthanies.
Lauren, Tom, Kimberley and Chad
BILL KIRK
October 15, 2008
Hi Tom; I was very surprise to read about Amy. I would like to express my sympathy to you and your family. Seems like a few weeks ago, we were all finishing school in Groton.
Betsy (Bucko) Stone
October 15, 2008
I was very sorry to hear of your loss. Even though it has been years since I have seen Amy, I remember her clearly from High School.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Kathleen Franklin
October 15, 2008
Amy - I'll miss you forever.
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