Obituary of Pat O'Brien

ROCK FALLS-Patricia “Pat” O’Brien, 80, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at her home on December 14, 2020. Pat was born September 27, 1940 the daughter of John and Madeline (Howe) Kiefer. She graduated from Sterling Newman High School and attended St. Anthony’s Hospital School of Nursing. She worked at Community General Hospital as a lab assistant for 37 years. Pat married the late Gerald Thomas O’Brien on July 2nd, 1960. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Mary’s Church. Pat was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Pat was the beloved mother of Erin (Rob) Burr of Exeter ME, Kelly (Mary) of Lawrence KS, Dan O’Brien of Rock Falls, Kate (Dan) Ivey of Rock Falls, and Mike (Erin) O’Brien of Plano TX. She was the proud grandmother of Maggie, Emma, and Allison Burr; Kelsey, and Samantha O’Brien; Kathleen and Kiefer O’Brien; Brandon O’Brien; Bryce, Brody and Briar Ivey; Ella, Finnegan and Seamus O’Brien. Pat was a cherished sister to Peggy (Jim) Paynter and Jim (Beth) Kiefer. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Gerald, son Kevin, brother John Kiefer and grandson Patrick Burr. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal." Due to the Covid pandemic there will be no immediate services. Cremation rites have been accorded, and a celebration of life will be planned in the future. Arrangements were completed by Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, Sterling. A memorial has been established. Memorials may be sent to Schilling Funeral Home P.O. Box 592 Sterling IL, 61081, and will be forwarded to family. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com