Obituary
We are sad to announce that our mother Patricia O’Brien (nee Vail), age 84, of St. John’s formerly, of St. Mary’s, SMB, passed peacefully away in the embrace of her family at St. Patrick’s Mercy Home, on Saturday, October 31, 2020.
Predeceased by husband Neil; parents Patrick & Mary Vail; sisters Anna Stapleton and Rosemary Crawley (Andy) and brother Michael Vail.
Leaving to mourn her devoted children, sons Mike and John; daughter Mary; sister Jeanette Maupin (Terry) and many nieces, nephews and cousins; especially Courtney Maupin, whom she loved dearly; James Murray (Maureen), whose help and support over the years was greatly appreciated; and her grand dogs Arnie and Rosie.
Mom completed a commercial course after high school and worked at the courthouse in St. John’s. After she married, she was a homemaker, working hard raising her children while also taking craft courses at the Arts and Culture Centre, She became involved with the St. John’s Folk Arts Council and Craft Council, and in 1972 joined a COOP of Artisans to form the Creative Artisans Guild which ran a store called “The Cod Jigger” in downtown St. John’s. She worked in the store, did the bookkeeping and sold her own knitting and embroidery until she retired in 2001. She loved working downtown and being part of the vibrant progressive community of local shops and artists. She was also an exceptional cook and baker, a voracious reader and enthusiastic shopper. She was a beautiful, gentle, kind woman.
Over the past year many kind compassionate people helped care for our mother. We have to thank the staff of 4 West – St. Clare’s Hospital, Stella Burry Place, Agnes Pratt Home and 3 North – St. Patrick’s Mercy Home. When we could not visit due to “Snowmageddon” and Covid-19 restrictions, you cared for Mom like family – Thank you.
Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held at her family plot at the old cemetery in St. Mary’s, on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at 2:30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. To express condolences online please visit our website at www.gibbonsfuneral.ca
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June 25 1936 October 31 2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Patricia O’Brien June 25 1936 October 31 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: St. Mary’s, Province: T-N