Arlene M. Curran O'Brien East Haven, Connecticut Obituary

Arlene M. Curran O'Brien

Arlene M. Curran O’Brien, age 93, died peacefully in her home on Saturday, September 11, 2021. Arlene lived a life devoted to her family and religion. Raised on Winchester Avenue in New Haven, she enjoyed walking to church and spending summers at Chatfield Hollow State Park with her parents, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She never shied from an adventure; one time taking a tricycle from New Haven to Hamden with her young sister to surprise their aunt (times have changed). After graduating from Commercial High School in 1945, Arlene began her career in administrative services. She served as an administrative assistant to faculty members at Yale University, the New Haven School’s Superintendent, the New Haven Free Public Library, the Southern New England Telephone Company, and the Connecticut Mental Health Center. She married her husband after WWII. While raising three sons, she always found time to read and pray. Arlene enjoyed her life in Foxon, but always had fun while exploring a new destination. After years of dreaming, she finally saw the Vatican and heard the Pope deliver Mass with her best friend. She also spent several decades as a member of the Dominican Laity of Saint Mary’s Parish in New Haven. Arlene’s husband, Nicholas O’Brien Jr. (NHPD RETD.), died in 1997. Her father, Daniel Curran, passed in 1958. Her mother, Marion (Foley) Curran, passed in 1998. A strong and supportive sister, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Arlene leaves behind her sister, Joan Canary of North Branford, CT and three sons: Nicholas (Helen) O’Brien of Reading, VT, Daniel (Maureen) O’Brien of East Haven, CT and John (Margaret) O’Brien of Killingworth, CT. Arlene’s grandchildren will fondly remember the moments they shared with their “Nina,” Catharine (Charley) Betzig, Lindsay (Yanik) Bababekov, Courtney (Matt Kehl) O’Brien, Kelsey O’Brien, Michael (Sheila) O’Brien, Patrick (Jon) O’Brien-Sevilla, Danny (Julia) O’Brien, Jack O’Brien, and Nicholas O’Brien. Arlene loved seeing her three great grandchildren on Instagram, always impressed by their lack of fear on the ski slopes: Teddy, Isabelle, and Noa. Those who knew Arlene will most remember her quick wit, honesty, reliability, and reflective nature. She never wanted to intrude, but she always answered the phone – you could depend on Arlene in moments of crisis or calm. Her family especially thanks Ann Gordon for her care during the last weeks of Arlene’s life. Friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial THURSDAY MORNING at 11:00 in the St. Ambrose Parish at St. Augustine Church, 30 Caputo Rd. North Branford. Burial will be private. There will be NO CALLING HOURS. Please consider a donation in her name to the Monastery of Our Lady of Grace, 11 Race Hill Road, North Guilford, CT.
December 29, 1927 - September 11, 202112/29/192709/11/2021
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Deborah Ferguson
September 16, 2021
I met Arlene through my husband, the late Bob Ferguson. I always found Arlene to be gracious and kind and she also had a great sense of humor. JP, Dan and Nick please accept my condolences and know that I am thinking of you and your families.
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Diane and Bob O'Donnell
September 15, 2021
Dan, so sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure to work with you at Frontier even though it was for a short time before we both decided to retire. Our condolences to you and your family. Diane and Bob O'Donnell
L
Lauri Finnegan Roman
September 15, 2021
To the O’Brien family It is with true sadness that I read about the passing of your mom. Arlene was kindness personified, treating me like one of her own. Arlene was a great mom and wife and it is with love and sincerity I mourn her passing. She did a great job with y... Continue Reading
J
Jean Kononowiz
September 15, 2021
Dear Arlene, thank you for being our sister in the Dominican Laity. We love you. My condolences to your family and friends. Love, Jean
J
Jean Kononowiz
September 15, 2021
A candle was posted for Arlene M. Curran O'Brien.
A candle was posted for Arlene M. Curran O'Brien.