Kathleen O’Brien

Kathleen (Kathy) O’Brien, aged 81, of Fairfield, CT died peacefully at Bridgeport Hospital on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Predeceased by her husband Joe, she is survived by her son Terry and daughter Julie of Fairfield; sister Becky (Kevin) McLaughlin of Avon Lake, OH; brothers Thomas (Linda) Sullivan of Rochester, NY; Michael Sullivan of Barefoot Bay, FL; and Andrew (Jennifer) Sullivan of Harrisburg, PA.

Born in Hornell, NY on October 2, 1943, Kathy attended St. Ann’s Elementary School and Hornell High School. She earned a B.S. in elementary education at SUNY Geneseo and a M.S. in psychology at SUNY Albany.

Kathy worked in Student Personnel Services at SUNY Geneseo before moving to NYC where she met and married the love of her life, the “never boring” Joe O’Brien. They settled in Fairfield, CT in 1974.

Active in school volunteer activities, Kathy eventually served as PTA Council Co-President and Fairfield High School Scholarship Foundation President and was elected to the Fairfield Board of Education. She enjoyed working with children in activities such as leading Junior Great Books discussions and chaperoning student bowling leagues.

In 2000, Kathy joined Diageo North America as Executive Assistant, retiring in 2020.

After retirement, Kathy enjoyed winters in Isla del Sol, FL and particularly enjoyed reading and walking the beaches at Pass a Grille and St. Pete’s Beach in FL, Compo Beach and Sherwood Island in Westport, and beaches in Fairfield, CT.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Pistey Funeral Home, 2611 Main Street, Stratford. Services are private.