Obituary of Florence S. O'Brien

Florence Sheehan O’Brien, born on Sept 15, 1936, in White Plains NY to Thomas D. and Florence H.   Sheehan, passed away on Friday February 10, 2023 at the Glen Hill Center surrounded by her loving family.  Florence was raised in Pelham NY and graduated from St. Gabriel High School in New Rochelle. She went on to work for John Hancock Insurance and Whitney Publications in New York City before relocating to Connecticut where she worked for the Danbury School System, Junior Achievement and ended her career at Nutmeg Federal Savings. As a mother, she taught CCD for St. Gregory’s in Danbury, served as President of the Danbury School Volunteers, and was very involved in P.T.O. activities in her children’s schools.

In 1959 Florence married Morgan O’Brien and lived in Detroit MI, Mount Vernon NY, ultimately settling in Danbury CT where she raised her family. Florence is survived by her children Susan O’Brien Inz (Jonathan) of Bedford MA, Morgan J. O’Brien Jr. of Mount Pleasant SC, and Kathleen O’Brien of Hampton CT. Also surviving are grandchildren Zachary and Rebecca Inz, sisters Barbara Sheehan, Kathleen Sheehan, and Peg Ellis, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and the father of her children, Florence was predeceased by her siblings Thomas, Helen, and Patricia.

Florence was known for her quick wit, her great sense of humor, and love of all things chocolate.  She was a huge fan of crossword puzzles, loved the music of Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand,  enjoyed cooking for family gatherings in her younger days, and became a big fan of tennis in her later years. Her family would like to thank the amazing staff at Glen Hill Center as well as her sister, Kathy, and her niece, Eileen, for the wonderful care they provided her with over the last months of her life. There are no calling hours; the family has planned a private Celebration of Life.

Florence took great joy in the activities available to her at Glen Hill, whether it was an art project, craft sale or making sandwiches for the Dorothy Day Hospitality House. She passed her time reading books from the Danbury Library and earned a reputation for being unwilling to leave the Bingo table.  What lifted her spirits most was her wall decorated with the cards and photos she had received from family and friends. In lieu of flowers please consider sending a card to brighten someone’s day or make a donation to the Glen Hill Residents Fund c/o the Glen Hill Center, 1 Glen Hill Rd., Danbury, CT 06811.