Rosemarie O'Brien

Rosemarie O'Brien, age 72, passed away on January 2, 2025, at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham, surrounded by her family. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on September 17, 1952, “Rosie” was raised in Jamaica Plain and spent most of her life there. She grew up knowing and then falling for the boy next door; and on May 1, 1971, Rosie married Kenneth E. O’Brien, the love of her life. 

The pair raised their children in her childhood home, and Rosie absolutely loved being a Mom. After many years as a dedicated stay at home Mom, she took up a job as a teacher’s aide at Our Lady of Lord’s Elementary School. Her dedication as a parent spilled over to her work, and treated the kids there as her own. She made special friendships there that lasted well past her retirement in 2009. 

Rosie’s grandkids were her world, and she had a special relationship with each of them. She loved to spoil them any chance she got. They spent many happy summers at Lake Winnipesaukee together. In her free time, she enjoyed sitting on the porch reading and chatting with those who came by.

Beloved wife of the late Kenneth E. O’Brien Sr.

Loving mother of Kenneth E. O’Brien Jr. of Peabody, Kevin M. O’Brien and his wife Whitney of Norwood, and Katie Buckley and her husband John of East Walpole 

Cherished Nana of Austin O’Brien and his wife Tara, Kirstyn O’Brien, Madison O’Brien, Allie Buckley, and Sean Buckley

Dearest Granny of Cooper, Lainey, and Cash

Sister of Carol A. Noe of Taunton, Kenneth J. Dorsey and his wife Debbie of North Attleboro, the late Lawrence H. Dorsey, the late Michael E. Dorsey, the late Andrew C. Dorsey, and the late Frederick P. Dorsey Jr. 

Also survived by many loving sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Rosie’s Life Celebration on Sunday, January 5th, 2025, from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

All are invited to attend Rosie’s Funeral Service in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole on Monday, January 6th, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Mount Benedict Cemetery in West Roxbury.