Betty J. Winzeler O'Brien

Betty O'Brien on Saturday, January 26, 2019, commended her spirit to God. Betty J. Winzeler O'Brien as born on May 8, 1927. Appropriately enough, this coincides with Mother's Day - the role she cherished as much as being the life-long love and wife of Robert S. O'Brien. The union of their love gave birth to seven children - each remarkable in their own way. When not raising children, she was involved with numerous civic and religious activities. She was born here in Canton and Canton would remain her home throughout her life - leaving only after graduation from Lehman High School to attend Sullin's College in Bristol, VA, The University of Kentucky and to winter in Scottsdale, AZ later in life. A convert to Catholicism as a young adult, she practiced her faith not only in her daily prayers but in the raising of her children. Realizing that you teach best through example, she taught them all the importance of God, country, family and living a responsible and Christian life. These values were also passed on to her 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren as they came to know her involvement in: The Junior League, Children's Aid Society, Visiting Nurse Society, Catholic Community League, The Aultman Home, Women's Committee of Walsh University, Cultural Center for the Arts and the Timken Mercy Service League. She was a founding member of Our Lady of Peace Church and later attended weekly Mass at St. John the Baptist Basilica where she sang in the choir of both churches. With a natural flare for decorating, she worked side-by-side her husband, Bob, first and then her son, Shawn, to furnish and decorate Bentbrook, Brookview and Pebblebrook Condominiums as well as numerous houses in the Canton area. Rarely without words, Betty felt comfortable talking to complete strangers - whether in a grocery line or in an elevator. Vibrant and colorful, her dress and attitude belied her age. Her unique sense of logic was a delightful cornucopia of amusing anecdotes by her children - the topic she loved talking about most and with the greatest pride. There is Michael - the actor and Frank Sinatra tribute artist who married Lisa Dreussi; Tim - the owner/president of Tim's Trolley who married Karen Hepner; Linda - the superb home-maker and a supreme volunteer herself who married Peter Kelly; Kevin – a gifted celebrant, Shawn - 4th generation president of O'Brien Lumber who married Janet Moon; Kristy - a trustworthy and ethical financial planner; and Kitty - a highly respected Child Life Specialist. The beauty and brilliance of this amazing planet is dimmed by the returning to God of this kaleidoscopic spirit. Our family prays that her light will continue to shine in the people she has touched and the children she has raised. Fare thee well, mom! We will always remember you. The family would like to thank the entire staff at the Sanctuary Grande for their exceptional treatment of mom - especially since Dad's death in March. Finally, they'd like to thank Crossroads Hospice for caring for mom so compassionately on the final few steps of her journey home. A special shout out to Tina. God love you! Friends may call Thursday from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Lamiell Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. at the Basilica of Saint John the Baptist with The Very Reverend John Sheridan, STL-Rector as celebrant. Entombment will be in the North Lawn Cemetery Mausoleum. If you care to make a donation, we would be pleased if you helped fund the Wiley Stephens Scholarship Fund at Walsh University or Crossroads Hospice of Green.