Obituary of Barbara O'Brien

Barbara O’Brien was a woman who had a heart of gold and loved her family and friends. Barbara passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday afternoon, July 11, 2012. She was 58 years old. Barbara was born in Somerville, the daughter of the late Lloyd and Mary Bussell. She grew up in Burlington. She excelled academically and was Burlington High School’s Valedictorian for the Class of 1972. She attended Northeastern University where she earned her Associates Degree. Barbara worked for 30 years at Analogic in Peabody as an Accounting manager. She loved her job, but cherished her many coworkers. Barbara simply loved people and entertaining. When you met Barbara, it was if she had the time in the world to chat with you and by the end of the conversation, she felt like she was a longtime friend. She loved to entertain family and friends. She spent hours and hours decorating her home both inside and out, so it was warm, welcoming, and bright for her guests. He loved flower and vegetable gardening and her home was often filled with fresh cut flowers. Christmas was her favorite time of the year. Her home was always tastefully decorated for the holiday season and the outside of her home with glowing with holiday lights. She shared a special bond with her husband Jack. They cherished each other’s company and were soul mates. She was a loving and caring mother, and an extremely proud grandmother. Barbara has touched the lives of so many, that her passing will leave lasting sadness in their hearts. But, her memory will always bring a smile to their faces. Barbara was the beloved wife of John “Jack” O’Brien. She was the loving mother of Michael Hentschel of Oakland, ME, Mark Hentschel & his wife Mary of Tyngsboro, Jennifer O’Brien of Plymouth, James O’Brien & his wife Kathy of Carver, and Jill O’Brien of Plymouth. She was the sister of Lloyd Bussell, Jr. of Westford, William Bussell of N. Andover, and Virginia Hiltz of Woburn. She was the proud grandmother of Cameron Hentschel, Rowan, Sariad, Piper Rose, Raven, and Cullen O’Brien. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, July 14 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday from 4-8 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Barbara’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. For directions, obituary & online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net or www.saintmargaretschurch.net