Jean A. O'Brien

Loudonville-Jean Ann O’Brien, October 28, 2017. With the Turner Classic Movie Station blaring in the background and surrounded by piles of books not yet finished, Jean O’Brien, quietly passed away to her eternal rest at St. Peter’s Nursing Home early Saturday evening. She was 89 years old. Jean was born on May 1, 1928 in North Albany where she grew up. She frequently recapped many fond memories of her growing up years in the Irish enclave and loved telling stories of the colorful people who lived there. She was a proud alumni of Vincentian Institute. Her school days were filled with parties, dances, horseback riding and lifelong friends. She often said, “ There was no other school like it. You didn’t go through VI…VI went through you”. She attended The College of St. Rose and was later employed as a copy girl for the Knickerbocker News where she met her husband, E. Leighton O’Brien, a native New Yorker and a lifetime newspaperman. They were married for 46 years, had three children and lived in Albany before moving to Loudonville. When women were slowly entering the workforce in the late 60’s, Jean joined their ranks. She worked as a real estate broker with a variety of local relators and was a recipient of the Picotte Memorial Award. She later channeled her successful selling techniques from real estate to law books and was employed at Matthew Bendar & Co. She was one of their top sales reps and recipient of numerous President Club Awards. When Jean retired she plugged right into her many outside interests and hobbies. She loved dogs and was always accompanied by one of her canine companions known for their unique names; Oliver, Mactavish, and Hamlet, just to name a few. She was an avid reader and lover of the old classic movies. Even as her memory began to fade in the later years, she was still able to name all of the movie stars, tell the plot and the year the movie came out. She often lamented that they don’t make movies like this anymore. Above all, Jean was most comfortable in her home hosting dinner parties for family and friends. She was a marvelous cook who loved to celebrate the holidays and special events with her children and grandchildren, whom she adored. Her dry sense of humor, candid opinions and ability to tell funny stories were always the ingredients for great memorable times. Jean will be greatly missed by all who knew her and loved her. Survivors include her children: Sheila O’Brien Carey (Marc Carey), Kevin L. O’Brien, Esq., Fr. Sean E. O’Brien, OFM; grandchildren Megan A. Carey, Maeve Carey, Michaila O’Brien and Thomas O’Brien; her sister in law Rosalie Pitnel, and several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Jean’s family Tuesday October 31, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany. Funeral services Wednesday, November 1, 2017 from the McVeigh Funeral Home at 10:15am thence to St. Pius X Church, Loudonville at 11:00 am where Jean’s funeral Mass will be celebrated. Those wishing to remember Jean Ann O’Brien in a special way may send a contribution to St. Peter’s Nursing and Rehab Center, 301 Hackett Blvd, Albany, New York 12208. To leave a message for the family, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

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Jean A. O'Brien

May 1, 1928 - October 28, 2017