Katherine (Kay) O’Brien (November 2nd, 1912 – September 20th, 2016) passed away peacefully at the Rivera Lodge in Edmonton where she had resided for the past several years only a few blocks from her own home. She was six weeks shy of her 104th birthday, predeceased by her husband, Dr. John Carson O’Brien in 1987. They had lived in the Town of Coronation in central Alberta from 1940 to 1967 where they were both active members of the community before moving to Edmonton. Kay remained in her own home until the age of 100, when progressive immobility due to severe arthritis in her knees necessitated escalated care. Frequent visits by her sons, granddaughters and close family friends kept her spirits high. She maintained her ever regal, dignified and pleasant personality throughout the challenges of a gradual decline of physical and mental capability. Her family is grateful for the kind and frequent visits by close family friends to Kay during the time that she resided at the Rivera Lodge. She is survived and lovingly remembered by her twin sons, Dr. Dale C. O’Brien and Dr. Darryl W. O’Brien with his family, wife Rosemarie Chinchilla, granddaughters Dr. Catherine O’Brien with Dr. Richard Gardiner residing in Victoria, BC, and Dr. Kristina O’Brien with her husband, James Petryk of Edmonton. A private memorial celebration of her life for family and close friends was held at Darryl’s residence on Sept. 25th. Her remains will be interred in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Edmonton, alongside her husband.
