Whitinsville- Mary Jane G. (Woodward) O’Brien, 84, passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at Blackstone Valley Health and Rehab., after a period of declining health.
She was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, James R. O’Brien in 2006. She is survived by 5 children James R. O’Brien Jr. and his partner JoAnne Williams, Kathleen Morrissey and her husband Kieran, David M. O'Brien and his wife Kerri, Kevin G. O’Brien and his wife Denise, and Maureen E. Hughes and her husband Daniel; 11 grandchildren; Seamus, Daniel, Kathryn, Hayley, Jack, Kylie, Kailee, Madigan, Erin, Mairin, and Nora; 2 sisters, Barbara Brochu and Betsy Saucier both of Whitinsville, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Born in Whitinsville on May 23, 1939 she was the daughter of George F. and Mary E. (Hobin) Woodward and grew up in Northbridge. She was a graduate of Northbridge High School and furthered her education earning a degree from Salter’s Secretarial School. Mary Jane worked for many years as a Secretary for Dr. Philip Bouvier, Optometrist. Previously, she worked for Phillips Market and the Fair. After raising her family, she went back to work at Cherubs Haven Daycare where she worked until her retirement.
A woman of great faith, Mary Jane was a longtime parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church and was also a member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. A loving wife, mother, and grandmother Mary Jane was an excellent homemaker and enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved shopping and spent a lot of time at the Christmas Tree Shop and Kohls.
Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 20th with a Mass at 11AM in St. Patrick’s Church, 1 Cross St., Whitinsville. Burial will follow in St., Patrick’s Cemetery. Calling hours in Jackman Funeral Home, 12 Spring St., Whitinsville will be held on Tuesday, March 19th from 5-7 PM. In lieu of flowers donations in Mary Jane’s memory may be made to: Blackstone Valley H & R Activities Fund, 447 Hill St., Whitinsville, MA 01588, or to Salmon Hospice, 37 Birch St., Milford, MA 01757. To leave a condolence message for her family please visit: http://www.Jackmanfuneralhomes.com
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Blackstone Health and Rehab. for their outstanding care and support shown to Mary Jane during her stay, especially Shirley, Jen, Carol, and all the Maria’s, as well as Lily from Salmon Hospice.
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