Dorothy Frances O'Brien Obituary (1933

Dorothy Frances (McKenzie) O'Brien, age 91, a longtime resident of Chelmsford, passed away peacefully in Boston on Saturday, July 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of Walter Thomas O'Brien, with whom she shared 67 years of marriage. She was born in Boston on October 4, 1933, and was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Sullivan) McKenzie, both of whom immigrated from Ireland. Dorothy was the youngest of five children, growing up in Roxbury and graduating from Roxbury Memorial High School with the Class of 1951. She was the devoted sister of the late Phyllis McKenzie, Mary McCaffrey, John McKenzie, Mildred Smith, and Rita Gill. Dorothy was a proud and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who was lovingly referred to as "Nanny." She relished every facet of her family's lives, especially enjoying family gatherings and holiday traditions, such as the entire family wearing matching pajamas every Christmas Eve. She never missed a family holiday party, birthday, dance recital, sporting event, wedding, or milestone. She enjoyed traveling the world extensively and recently enjoyed a family trip to Killington, VT, to celebrate her 90th birthday. Dorothy was a devout Catholic and active member of Saint Mary Parish in Chelmsford. She expressed this strong faith through her kindness, empathy, and charity towards others throughout her life. She never missed an opportunity to share her strong love with her family and friends, ending every phone call and visit with an "I love you up to God" and a kiss on the cheek. In addition to her devoted husband, Dorothy is survived by her loving children, daughter-in-law Jayne O'Brien of Haverhill, Kim Hayes and her husband Paul of Chelmsford, Karen Wyman and her husband Douglas of Hollis, NH, Keith O'Brien of Chelmsford, Kyle O'Brien and his wife Sue of Chelmsford, and Kara Holland and her husband John of Bedford. She is also survived by her grandchildren Ashley, Robert, Beth, Tyler, Kaileigh, Taylor, Meaghan, Ireland, Colin, Jake, Lauren, Grace, and Faith; and great-grandchildren Harper, Luna, Aiden, Maverick, and Lily. She is predeceased by her son Kevin O'Brien of Haverhill and grandson Conor. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 4 pm to 7pm at the BLAKE CHELMSFORD FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen Street, CHELMSFORD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 11 am at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 115 Middlesex Street, N. CHELMSFORD. KINDLY MEET AT THE CHURCH. Interment will follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery, CHELMSFORD.