Requiem mass was chanted at nine o'clock this morning in St. Patrick’s Church, Ottawa, for Mrs. William O’Brien, who died on Thursday at the residence of her son Joseph, 477 Lisgar street. Mrs. O’Brien would have been 97 years had she survived until November 23 next. She was a member of a family which had been among the earliest settlers along the Rideau River in North Gower. Before her marriage to William O’Brien, who predeceased her, she was Brigid O’Brien. After living some time in North Gower and Ottawa she went to reside in New York. Fifteen years ago she returned to live in Ottawa.
Despite her great age she enjoyed remarkable health until recently and followed world events with lively interest until the end. Almost to the time of her death she could read a newspaper without glasses. She possessed a kindly, attractive personality and a wide circle of friends mourn her passing.
Mrs. O'Brien is survived by four sons, John and Thomas O'Brien of New York, Joseph O'Brien, of New York and Ottawa; Frank O'Brien, of Bridgeport, Conn., and three daughters, Mrs. Geo. Bechtel (Teresa), Rev. Sister Thecla, Chicago, and Rev. Sister Narcissus, Houch, Arizona. The funeral was held on Sunday from the parlors of McEvoy Brothers Kent street, to St. Patrick’s Church for Libera service. Burial was in St. Brigid's parish cemetery, River Road. Rev. E. Maloney, P.P., Osgoode, recited the prayers at the graveside.
