Obituary of Muriel E O'Brien

Muriel E. (White) O’Brien, passed away at the Lahey Hospital & Medical Center on Sunday morning, January 26, 2020. Muriel was the beloved wife of the late John J. O’Brien and she was 90 years old. Muriel was born and raised in Watertown. She was a graduate of Watertown High School and Fisher Junior College. Muriel was raised by her grandmother Sophia White. Being an only child, Muriel and her grandmother had a very close and special relationship. Muriel was larger than life, her business card said “Miss Personality. She grew up in Watertown Massachusetts and was dancing and singing from a young age. Muriel has been a professional singer and entertainer her entire life. She recorded two records with Universal Sheraton Records in their Boston studio. Muriel was musically trained at Phil Saltmaris School of Music and sang with many bands, orchestras, recorded with the Boston Pops and did radio and television. She performed as an extra in many films from the “Cardinal to Spencer for Hire”! In 1971 Muriel was asked to tour with the USO visiting military bases in Alaska, Philippines, Vietnam and Korea just to name a few, Muriel was so proud to serve her county by using her singing talents. She received many commendations and certificates of appreciation from branches of service. She started her first cruise ship tour at the age of 23. That jump started a long career in entertainment on multiple cruise lines. Muriel’s cruise ship travels gave her the opportunity to travel the world visiting such destinations as the Arctic Circle, Europe as well as the China Seas. She was able to bring her children along to many of these exciting destinations! Even after retirement Muriel continued to use her talent helping the community. Volunteering for the Burlington council on aging for 20 years and entertaining at several nursing homes. Muriel was recognized by the Massachusetts house of representatives in April of 2014 for her 20 years of commitment to the council on aging. Muriel was a devoted wife and mother to her late husband John O’Brien and her late son Kevin O’Brien. She is survived by her daughters Erin Mellen & her husband Dave Mellen of Litchfield NH and Tami Scott & her husband Barry of Marco Island Florida She was the proud grandmother of Shannon Taschereau & her husband Dan of Manchester NH and granddaughter Casey Mellen of Litchfield NH. Muriel is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95) on Friday, Jan. 31 from 3-7 p.m. Funeral from the Funeral Home on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Malachy Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Burial to follow in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers memorial’s in Muriel’s name may be made to Lahey Hospice & Medical Center C/O Philanthropy, 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01805 www.laheyhealth.org