Frances O'Brien Obituary (1948

Frances Gertrude O’Brien (Fran) 76, of Philadelphia, PA (Wissinoming and Fairmount) currently of Meadowbrook,PA passed away peacefully May 28, 2024. Fran was born February 29, 1948 the daughter of Harriet (Highland) and Francis Peters. She was the middle sibling of 3. 1 older sister, Kate and 1 younger brother, Bill. Fran was raised in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia. She graduated from St. Francis Xavier Catholic School and John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School (Class of 1967). She worked at City Hall as a clerk until becoming a Mom and later as the kids started high school returned -working at U.S. HealthCare, then Aetna in Environmental services traveling long hours daily; often by bus. Fran married her sweetheart Joe on August 17, 1968. They then began their 45 year journey together welcoming …Tara in 1971 and Joe (Jo-Jo as Fran and the family affectionately called him) in 1973. They enjoyed family life and time with family was precious..like dancing and singing their favorite tunes, Sundays playing cards at the house, going to Lemon Hill, yearly summer vacations to the shore in North Wildwood; and to the Poconos, Walt Disney World with their kids in ‘79…and then their grandkids…twice ..Jo-Jo even convinced his Mom to go international once-traveling to Ireland in ‘98 Fran’s proudest achievements were ALWAYS and in all ways her cherished family; she found such joy in life’s everyday moments and spending time with them. She loved getting together with all the relatives and enjoyed festive occasions dancing, singing laughing- a chance to celebrate. She tried never to miss any family celebrations. Fran often recalled lots of fond memories as a young girl of time spent with her Grandmom(Gert). Well, she experienced pure joy when given her most beloved title-“Mimi”. She loved her grandchildren more than anything in the world and was blessed with 4 - Colleen ‘91, Theresa ‘94, Joseph ‘05 and Cailyn ‘07. She had more affectionate nicknames for them than there is room to write about…She was the BEST Mimi in the World. She was also always a proud Godparent and held that title in high esteem. Actually, Fran held ALL her titles in high esteem-Daughter,Granddaughter, Sister,Aunt, Wife, Mom, Mimi, -Friend Fran’s love and loyalty for family was extraordinary. Her dedication to house and home; unwavering. Her love for those she cared about ran deep. Sadly, she was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband Joseph and her beautiful daughter Tara. She is survived by her adoring son, Joseph (Meg); Her grandchildren Colleen (Macshane) Cole, Theresa O’Brien-Taormina, Joseph, and Cailyn. Also survived by her sister Kate (Herb) McGinty, her brother Bill (Marion) Peters, her brother and sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, Godchildren, cousins, great nieces and nephews (whom she would have adored) and many family friends and friends who are like family. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life- St. Francis of Assisi Respectfully-Interment will be private.