Kathleen R. O'Brien

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Kathleen O’Brien. Mom said her age was nobody’s business, but we knew it to be (perpetually) 39.

Kathleen was born in Detroit, MI to Marie and Thomas Boyle. Kathleen was the loving mother of Marie Kuclo (Tom), Jim O’Brien (Mindy), Pat Zimostrad (Wade), Tim O’Brien (Mary), and Noreen Shortway (the late Richard). Beloved grandmother of Colin, Meghan, Rylee, Eric, Ryan, Patrick, and Makenna; great grandmother of Finn, Keeley, Sydney, James, Tatum, and Jonsi.  Adored sister of Tom Boyle (Lita), the late Mary, Sarah, and Bernard. Dear sister-in-law of Barbara Boyle. Beloved aunt to 17 nieces and nephews.

Kathleen raised five children while working full time as a registered nurse, rising to Director of Nursing at Annapolis Hospital in Wayne, MI.  She became the first Director of Nursing at Heritage Hospital in Taylor, MI, and was involved in the design of the new hospital. She went back to school while working and graduated with her BSN and MBA.  She was an inspiration to all, especially her children.

Mom loved to go out with her sisters and mother to the old sing-along bars in the Detroit area. They loved to have a good time and were the life of the party anywhere they went. She showed her children the importance of family, friendship, and love.

Even though these last few years when Alzheimer’s had her in its grip, she had a keen memory for music and loved to sing and listen to old songs. Sometimes she would recite a favorite old toast, some of which occasionally revealed an off-color sense of humor.  She will be missed by all of her devoted family.

In the words of an old Irish Blessing: May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Visitation will be held Friday from 10am until Noon with a funeral service beginning at Noon at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National MS Society, 29777 Telegraph Road, Suite 1651, Southfield, MI 48034.