Obituary of Jeanne Mae O' Brien

Jeanne Mae Gamble O'Brien, age 79, passed away on May 30, 2011, after a brief illness. Jeanne was born on September 24, 1931 in Buffalo, New York. She was the only daughter of George and Helen Gamble. Beloved wife and adored mother & grandmother, her quick wit and ever present smile will be missed by many. She graduated from high school in Malverne, NY, in 1948 and worked as a secretary for a few years before becoming a full-time wife and mother. On May 2, 1953, Jeanne married the love of her life, Joseph Patrick O'Brien, and was welcomed into his huge, loving, Irish family. They recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. Jeanne loved to travel, especially on cruise ships! She and Joe took over 35 cruises in the last several years. They enjoyed cruises on the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the Adriatic, and the Baltic Seas. One of their favorite trips was a cruise around the tip of South America. They also enjoyed an Atlantic crossing. From the Vatican to Ireland to St. Petersburg, Russia to Nova Scotia and the Falkland Islands, Jeanne loved the adventures of traveling and meeting new people! When not traveling, Jeanne enjoyed playing bridge, knitting, shopping, and matching wits with the one-armed bandit (slot machines!) She never turned down a martini - which she called "olive soup". Above all, she was a loving and devoted wife and mother to her five children and their families. The love she had for her family was obvious to anyone that knew her. She always needed to know that her "babies" (who are all grown adults!) were OK. Jeanne always had the "right words" to say; no matter what the situation. Her words of wisdom and comfort will forever ring in our ears. In addition to her husband, Joseph, of Flower Mound, Texas, Jeanne is survived by her five children and their families: daughter Barbara of San Antonio, Texas (and husband Sam, with daughter Samantha); daughter Maureen of Medford, New York (and husband Brian, with children Joseph, Janet (and husband Matthew), and Eric); daughter Joan of Baldwinsville, New York (and husband Bob, with children Colleen, Heather, and Matthew); daughter Mary Beth, of Flower Mound, Texas (and husband Sean with children Jennifer, Kelly and Timmy); and son Timothy of Pearland, Texas (and wife Yvette with children Mary, Maegan and Maebry). Jeanne also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and many beloved friends. Jeanne is preceded in death by parents George and Helen, brother George, and daughter Colleen. Family and friends may call at McManus-Lorey Funeral Home, 2084 Horseblock Rd, Medford, NY 11763 on Sunday, June 5th from 2:00pm - 4:00pm and 7:00pm - 9:00pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, June 6th at 9:45am at St. Sylvester Roman Catholic Church, 68 Ohio Ave, Medford, NY. Interment at Long Island National Cemetery at Pinelawn in Farmingdale, NY.