Marie O’Brien

Marie F. O’Brien, 94, Inverness, FL Marie F. O’Brien passed away Sunday March 10, 2024 at The Grove Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hernando, FL. Marie was born in Sardinia, OH in 1929 to the late William Clarence Cooper and Jesse Mae (Hartman) Cooper. She and her late husband of 53 years John M. O’Brien – recently returned World War II veteran from the Philippines – married in December 1945. A few years later, in 1951 they relocated from Louisville, KY to Miami, FL with their young family. When asked about the move to Florida, Marie replied, “I thought I died and went to heaven.” She and Johnnie enjoyed the adventure of expanding and engaging their family in the various pioneer experiences afforded by post World War II developments taking place in the Sunshine State. Among the many wonderful memories her family share about Marie are her ability to take advantage of opportunities and her near-fearless approach to dealing with the challenges and hardships life sometimes presents. She had boundless love for her family and genuine empathy for those facing tough times. She exhibited an amazing faithfulness to God, family and friends – in short, she was a good and decent mother, wife, human being. Her regular regimen included personal time for daily prayer, meditation, and recitation of the rosary (often outdoors). She enjoyed gathering with others for celebration of Sunday Mass and special church activities; and having fun at family events. A lifetime enjoyment was going to the track for seasonal horse racing, especially during husband Johnnie’s career as a jockey – and of course, watching the Kentucky Derby. She was energized by shopping sprees at flea markets, going out for breakfast and dinner, playing cards and dominoes, participating in dance and exercise activities. Her son and daughters laugh about her insatiable desire for all things chocolate and Blue Bunny strawberry cheesecake ice cream. In recent years, the challenges and hardships of aging progressively chipped away at Marie’s ability to engage in activities she had enjoyed for much of her life. For those who have loved Marie, there is consolation and peace knowing that the hardships have ended and she has moved into the joy of the eternal life. Marie is survived by a sister, Joyce (Don) Gill in Greenville, OH; her five children: Beverly, aka Sister Brendan O’Brien, CSFN, Philadelphia, PA; Jonnie M. O’Rourke, Tulsa, OK; Juanita J. Simpkins (Robert), Inverness, FL; Michael P. O’Brien (Kathy), Deland, FL; and Susan A. Kelly, Lakeland, FL; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren; and extended family. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, March 15, 2024 at 10:00 AM from Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church with Fr. Michael Suszynski, Celebrant. A private burial is scheduled for Monday, March 18, 2024 at Florida National Cemetery near Bushnell in Sumter County, FL. Arrangements are under the care of the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.