Gloria Jane O'Brien

Racine- Gloria Jane (nee: Smith) O’Brien, 67, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center, surrounded with the love of her family, on Saturday, September 27, 2008 following a courageous eight-month battle with triple-negative breast cancer. Gloria was born in Eau Claire on August 4, 1941 to the late Victor and Luella (nee: Strauch) Smith. She graduated from Augusta High School in 1959. On November 18, 1967, Gloria was united in marriage with David Eugene O’Brien. She was employed by Peterson Machine / Pioneer Products from 1980 until she retired as Human Resources Manager in June of 2007. As priority one, Gloria’s life revolved around her family. She was a fantastic cook and hostess, who loved to entertain at her home. She also enjoyed working in her flower garden and a good game of golf. Gloria was happiest when in the surroundings of her entire family. Surviving are her loving husband, David E. O’Brien; children, Dawn (Brent Erickson) Larson of Portland, OR; Jennifer (Ryan Brohmer) O’Brien of Madison; David E. (Terri) O’Brien II of Kenosha and Kelly (Mike) Urbina of Morgan Hill, CA; adored grandchildren, Jessica (Anthony Manriquez) O’Brien; Melinda Larson; David, Nathan, Joshua, Matthew and Rachel O’Brien; and Shae Urbina; precious great-granddaughter, Karmyn Olivia Manriquez; sister, Patricia (Robert) Brown and niece, Susan (Mike) Broderick; mother-in-law, Francis O’Brien; sister-in-law, Darlene (Ed) Tanner; brothers-in-law, Duane (Dorothy), Richard (Alice), Delano, Daniel (Tyke) and Dennis (Priscilla) O’Brien; and by many other special nieces, nephews, relatives and treasured friends too numerous to mention by name. In addition to her parents, Gloria was preceded in death by her great-granddaughter, Savannah Manriquez; father-in-law, Herbert O’Brien; brother-in-law, Dwight O’Brien; sister-in-law, Pat O’Brien; and nephew, Richard O’Brien. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2008 in the funeral home at 11:00 am with Rev. Charlie Hansen officiating. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5-8 pm and on Wednesday from 10-11 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has been suggested. Gloria’s family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the cancer unit at WFH- All Saints Medical Center for their compassionate care and loving support. Also, a heartfelt note of thanks to all of Gloria’s wonderful friends for the many prayers and acts of kindness during this extremely difficult year. God bless all of you!