Elisabeth Jane O'Brien

Elisabeth Jane (née Richardson) O’Brien Traverse City – Elisabeth J. (Richardson) O’Brien, 98, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on November 16, 2022 at Orchard Creek Assisted Living with family by her side. Elisabeth was born on March 22, 1924 in Ashland, OH to the late Pierce Henry and Agnes Cecelia (Whelan) Richardson. She was truly the “baby” of the family being 11 years younger than her older brother Bill. She grew up in Columbus Ohio, graduating from St. Joseph’s Academy and went on to Ohio State University where she earned her B.S. degree in home economics in 1946. She later furthered her education at Central Michigan University with a Masters Degree in Education. On December 17, 1948, Elisabeth married Robert “Bob” O’Brien. He served our country honorably as a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII and again during the Korean conflict in the 50’s after being called up from the reserves. While he served, she lived on base in Mountain Home, Idaho. Bob and Elisabeth welcomed four children into this world and after her youngest started school, Elisabeth began her teaching career. She taught first grade in the Big Rapids, MI School District for 26 years until she retired in 1988. She then moved to the Lansing area to help care for her daughter Kathleen’s three sons, while Kathy attended Medical School. In 2011, she moved Traverse City to be close to her son Barry’s family. During her long life, she moved over 20 times and made many fast friends wherever she lived. Elisabeth enjoyed playing bridge and all kinds of card games. She was quite a gifted seamstress and quilter. In her younger years she also enjoyed camping with the family all over the US. They loved to go on road trips. She enjoyed the outdoors and loved to garden and fish with her husband. Elisabeth was a wonderful cook and baker. She was famous for her cakes, a skill she inherited from her mother who was also a great cake baker. It was often remarked that “Elisabeth came from a long line of great cake bakers!”. She always served herself last, which coincidentally, was often the largest piece of cake. Elisabeth was a devout Catholic throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob; daughter Kathleen; and siblings William and Natalie. Elisabeth is survived by her daughters Susan Elisabeth O’Brien (David Arndt), Sheila Jean (Lawrence Soley) O’Brien; son Barry (Laura) O’Brien; son-in-law Randy Fenske; grandchildren Brian (Whitney) Fenske, Kevin Fenske, Jason Fenske, Pete Arndt, Theresa Soley, Robert Soley, Philip Soley, Robert O’Brien and Pierce O’Brien as well as a great granddaughter Hazel Fenske. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 18, 2022 from 4 to 6 pm at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home followed by the praying of the rosary and then a toast with ŌBrien Vineyards “Sweet Elisabeth” wine, a Late Harvest Riesling named in her honor. Friends are encouraged to come and share memories. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning one hour prior at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. A luncheon will follow in centennial hall. Memorial contributions in her honor may be directed to the Immaculate Conception Food Pantry. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories and condolences with her family.

Elisabeth Jane O'Brien

March 22, 1924 - November 16, 2022