Frances Rita O’Brien (nee Roche) consummate card player, avid reader, conqueror of crosswords, lover of song, martini aficionado, style maven, witty conversationalist and the most incredible wife, mother, mother in law, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully with family by her side, on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, two days short of her 102nd birthday.
Mom was born in Toronto on February 12, 1919 to Benson and Ann Roche. She grew up in Toronto with her 2 brothers, Karl and John, and her four sisters, Vivian (Rawlinson), Margaret (Zeagman), Mary (Taylor), and Theresa (Benn) (all predeceased her). Mom lived and worked in Toronto and in 1945, after making him work hard for it, she married the love of her life, Tom O’Brien (predeceased 2004). They shared a deep faith in God, love of family and a zest for life. They were a couple who loved to sing, dance, bowl, curl, entertain and travel together.
Apparently, they also liked children because they had 5 of them. They lovingly raised Blaise (predeceased Eleanor), Rick (Martha), Kevin (Helen), Jan (Paul Nusca), and Barry (Carita), each of whom if they had the chance, would try to convince you that they were her favourite child. Mom blessed us with the opportunity to grow up in a loving, positive home where we were encouraged to be our best selves and follow our dreams. It was a home where our friends were always welcome and food was always available. Mom’s motto was, “When you’re feeding 7 people, what’s one or two more?” She instilled in all of us a deep love of family and did so not just by celebrating every milestone we reached with a big party, but also by insisting we attend every concert, important game, dance recital or musical one of us was in, whether we wanted to or not. Well, it worked Mom, love of family is strong in all of us!
Mom’s love of family deepened with the arrival of her 10 grandchildren, Kerry (Krista), Kevin (Stephanie), Eva, Marie (Rich) Rita (Kyle or as Mom liked to call him, Clyde), Amy, Luke, Connor (Janel) Dylan, and Kyra. As a grandmother she was adored for helping them to see the value of family, the power of laughter as well as instilling in them a love of sing a longs, card games and of course, the odd cocktail. Mom also has 3 step grandchildren Jason (Maria), Nicole (Mark Cussons), and Chris (Delanie) who loved her for positive outlook and love of life and always welcomed her to Nusca family gatherings.
In her final days, what always brought a smile to Mom’s face was seeing pictures of her four great grandchildren Scarlett, Molly, Desmond and Blake and her 12 step great grandchildren Jordan (Sarah), Madison, Jared, Jacob, Mackenzie, Carter, Trinity, Julien, Calihan, Preston, Peyton and Rowan. We promise you Mom to pass on to them what you have taught us and find ways to keep you strong in their memories as they grow into adulthood.
Over the years, Mom also became a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family and she in turn cherished each one of them.
We are happy Mom has been reunited with Dad and all of her family! We will do our best to uphold her legacy of love, humour, wisdom, compassion, positivity and kindness. Her lovely singing voice, which some would say was inherited by some, but not all of her children, will forever be heard in our hearts. After Covid 19 is over, Mom will have the memorial Mass and Celebration of Life she truly deserves!
We would like to thank all the staff at The Brant Centre for their kindness and compassion in caring for Mom everyday over the past year but especially during these difficult times.
In lieu of flowers donations to St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. John the Baptist Parish, Burlington, Ont.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Frances Rita O’Brien Roche Wednesday February 10th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: , Province: Ontario