Catherine (O'Grady) O'Brien (1849 - 1929)

OGRADY, OBRIEN, HEINEN, DEVYOR, PARKER, CARR

Posted By: DJ Scieszinski
Date: 1/29/2016 at 17:59:07

The Lovilia Press
December 19, 1929

Obituary

Funeral services for Mrs. Catherine O'Brien, who died at her home, Saturday morning, Dec. 7th, after several weeks illness, were held at St. Peters Church, Lovilia, Iowa, Monday morning, Dec. 9th. Requiem High Mass being sung by her pastor Rev. Father L. Heinen, assisted by the Church choir.

She was laid to rest in St. Peter's cemetery. Her three sons and three grandsons were pallbearers.

Catherine O'Grady was born in Templeglantine, Limerick county, Ireland, May 1849.

She was united in marriage to Richard O'Brien, February 13, 1866. They came to America in the spring of 1871. Coming to Iowa the next year, where they resided the rest of their lives. Being residents of Lovilia for the past 42 years.

Mr. O'Brien preceded her in death, January 21, 1924. Eleven children were born to this union; six of whom are still living. They are: Mrs. Minnie Devyor of Chicago, Jerry O'Brien of Lovilia, Mrs. C. E. Parker of Newton, James O'Brien of Lovilia; Mrs. J. J. Carr of Lovilia and Wm. O'Brien of Sheffield, Iowa. Besides her children there are left to mourn her loss, nineteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and scores of relatives and friends.

Mrs. O'Brien was a pioneer Catholic in Lovilia; the first Mass ever read in Lovilia was in her home. And it was due to her and her good husband's true Christian zeal and love of God and their Church, that kept the faith alive during many years of hardship and opposition; until at last they were rewarded by seeing the beautiful church built and the parish grow, until the building is scarcely large enough at the present time.

Mrs. O'Brien naturally a modest virtuous disposition, was a beautiful example of a Christian Catholic mother and friend. She was never happier, than when doing some act of kindness for her family or friends.

She had been a daily communicant for years, whenever her health permitted. And will be greatly missed by her pastor, and many friends in the community as well as in the home; that is so bereft by her loss.

It may be truly said of her “Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord. Henceforth now, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow them.”

May she rest in peace.

