Name: Visitation for Dr. Jean Patrice O'Brien
Start: 2023-05-23T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-05-23T22:00:00.000Z
Location: Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc., Funeral Home

FORTY FORT — Dr. Jean Patrice (Losco) O'Brien passed away May 18, 2023, with her loving family at her side.

Born Aug. 17, 1950 in Berlin, New Hampshire, and raised in Chelsea and Natick Massachusetts, she was a daughter of the late Felix and Louise (Holland) Losco.

She earned her B.S. in psychology, and M.S. and Ph.D in personality psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Jean was a visiting assistant professor of psychology at Bucknell University before beginning her career at King's College in Wilkes-Barre.

During her 36-year tenure at King's, Jean was the chairperson of the Human Resources Management Department and a professor of psychology. She received the Whitman Distinguished Service Professorship, and the Rosenn Award for Teaching Effectiveness. She made more than 85 conference presentations across the country, and published 18 scholarly articles and book chapters. She was a leader of the Juvenile Justice College Mentoring Program at King's, and was a beloved colleague and mentor to many.

Surviving are her husband, Edward O'Brien, Kingston, Pa.; daughters: Caroline (O'Brien) Zawilski, Eugene, Ore.; and Lindsey O'Brien, Portland, Ore; grandchildren: Ryan and Ayla Zawilski; and siblings: Ruth Allukian, Boston, Mass.; Pam Smith, New York, N .Y.; and Felix Losco, Belleville, Ill.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her successful teaching career, Jean was an avid reader, astute political observer, film lover, problem solver, advocate for gender equality, and a lifelong learner. Her wit, generous spirit, and joyous, uninhibited laugh lit up many rooms and made lifelong impressions on those who loved her. She will be deeply missed.

To celebrate the life of Dr. Jean O'Brien, a visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 23, from 4 to p.m. at the Hugh B. Hughes & Son Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to organizations that Jean proudly supported including: the Interfaith Resource Center for Peace and Justice; Southern Poverty Law Center; American Civil Liberties Union; or Planned Parenthood.

To send the family an expression of sympathy, a fond memory of Jean, or other condolences, please visit www.hughbhughes.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Leader from May 20 to May 21, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Jean O'Brien

13 Entries

Mary Murphy

July 14, 2024

Dr. 0´Brien, your classes inspired me to become a HRM major and ultimately receive the Distinguished Achievement Award in HRM, 1990. You were not only an amazing professor, mentor and friend. We had many drinks over 3 years, your humor was infectious, and I babysat Carolyn many times,,,, l pray for you family and will miss you....
Mary Murphy

Kristin McDermott

June 1, 2023

I am so sorry to hear about Jeans passing. I used to pamper her at the salon she went to, and we always had a good time talking about books we've read or movies we've seen recently and took recommendations from each other. She always spoke so highly of her children and what was going on in their lives, and she had a great sense of humor. I remember how funny it was that I got her to try out red nail polish for Christmas one year, but after that is was back to OPI's Barefoot in Barcelona (her favorite). I will truly miss her!

Lorraine Bartolai

May 23, 2023

Dear Ed and family, I am so very sorry to hear about Jean's passing. Sending prayers for comfort and strength during this difficult time. Lorraine Bartolai and family

Pat and Maureen Jordan

May 23, 2023

Our thoughts and prayers for the O Brien family. We remember Jean and the family when they moved to Wilkes Barre. Many memories of Terrace St. Doctor OBrien in many of my classes at Kings. Again, memories.
Pat and Maureen Jordan
Charlottesville VA

Tim Mulcahy `96

May 22, 2023

Dr. O´Brien had a positive impact on my during my time at Kings. She always made time for me and gave great advice. She will be missed.

Mary/Rick Byczek

May 22, 2023

My deepest condolences to the O´Brien family.
I have fond memories of Jean with our chats during Caroline´s middle and HS years. Her laugh was contagious. Rest in Peace

Greg Bassham

May 21, 2023

Jean was a wonderful colleague and friend. We gave several conference presentations together and hers was always a wise and caring voice on committees. She was a dedicated professional, a valued member of the King´s community, and a good friend.

Patricia Durkan

May 21, 2023

Ed, Caroline & Lindsey, I am so sorry for your loss. Jean was such a wonderful person that inspired so many people. She was a true role model especially for young women. God bless.

Paul Lindenmuth

May 21, 2023

Jean meant a lot to many, as a co-worker and friend my thoughts would cherish the times we enjoyed with she and Ed. She was so proud of her family and enjoyed the benefit of working with youth in the juvenile mentoring program.

Lori Godleski Lindenmuth

May 21, 2023

Jean was not only a very best confidant, but a great friend, mentor, and advocate to many. I have so many great memories that I will hold dear to me.

Joe Gonda

May 21, 2023

Very sorry for your loss prayers and blessings

Lora Paulukonis '01

May 21, 2023

Some professors stand out more than others. Dr. O'Brien was an asset to the King's College community. I think of her class fondly. My condolences to her family.

David Palmiter

May 21, 2023

Jean personified a life of devotion to her husband, her highly accomplished daughters and the countless numbers of students, members of the public, colleagues and mentees she served in her scholarly career. Her life measures an incalculably large footprint for the good.

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