CHICOPEE, MA – It is with great sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of our sister, Patricia Lee O’Brien, on September 28, 2025, following a long struggle with COPD.
Patti was born in Elkton, Maryland on May 17, 1953. She was the second child of John W. and Elaine (Parent) O’Brien while her Father was serving in the U.S. Navy. Upon Jack’s death in 1956, Elaine returned to the family’s hometown of Northampton and settled in the village of Florence with her three children, Ken, Patti, and Davy. Patti attended local schools, Annunciation Elementary, JFK Junior High, and was a proud graduate of Northampton High School, Class of 1971. While matriculating through Hamp High she played Basketball, Field Hockey, and was a Majorette with the NHS Marching Band. She could really spin that baton!
Following High School, Patti attended Westfield State and graduated in 1975 with a degree as a Dental Assistant. She supported herself through High School and College as a waitress at Flavorland. She also took up skiing and was a fixture at Berkshire Snow Basin and Mt. Tom.
Patti departed Hamp after a few years as a Dental Assistant on the great adventure of her life and arrived in New Orleans where she lived for nearly a decade. She became a route driver with Frito-Lay but mostly she was the tour guide/hostess as family and friends descend upon the “Big Easy” for Mardi Gras, the 1984 World’s Fair and of course the 1985 Patriot’s/Bears Super Bowl. She returned to Florence in 1989 to help her mother, who was in failing health. Upon Elaine’s death Patti became a nomad living in Florence, Leeds, South Hadley, and finally Chicopee where she stayed until her death. All that time she was employed as the tumor register at the Cooley Dickenson Hospital until her retirement in 2018.
Patti loved animals and had pets her entire life. Besides the numerous family dogs, she always seemed to have a turtle or goldfish and gerbils and hamsters were plentiful as well in her bedroom. Along with her large collection of Trolls. When on her own she had a succession of dogs and cats, finishing with her last cat, CeeCee. She also enjoyed many crafts that she did well and was an avid gardener, gifted with her Mom’s “Green Thumb”.
Patricia was predeceased by her parents, Jack and “E” O’Brien, her sister-in-law Karen O’Brien and her best friend Denise Wood. She is survived by her two brothers, Ken and Dave O’Brien. Her beloved nephews, Chris O’Brien, David O’Brien and his wife Kerry, Jack O’Brien, and Mike O’Brien and his best friend Macie Perkins.
Thanks to Mike, Jack and Macie, who stepped up to support her in her final months. Patti also had a special spot in her heart for her grand nieces, Shelby, Hayley, Sarah, and Maddie, who were all frequent guests on weekend visits and dinner companions during their formative years.
Patti may be gone now but will be fondly remembered by us all!
A Graveside burial will be held on Friday October 3, 2025 at 11 am at the St Mary’s Cemetery In Northampton. CZELUSNIAK FUNERAL HOME IS IN CHARGE. Please go to Czelusniakfuneralhome.com for online condolences.
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