Elizabeth Rose O'Brien

Elizabeth (Betty) Rose O'Brien "Mom" passed gracefully from this life on October 21, 2007 with her children at her side. She was born August 1, 1923 to James & Rose Grant in Port Orchard, WA. She happily graduated at Kitsap High School in the Class of '41. She worked at Grant Lumber Company prior to her marriage to (Frederick) Gordon O'Brien on June 1, 1946. An elegant, joyful, accomplished and caring woman she raised her family while residing in various western Washington locations including Port Orchard, Rocky Bay, Carbonado, Tacoma, Nisqually, and Olympia - always close to a view of the water which she loved. Betty O'Brien's accomplishments included being an outstanding homemaker. She could fry oysters better than anyone in the world, and her apple pie was sensational. She loved numbers and had a professional career as an accountant in the lumber industry. She was a caregiver for family, an accomplished knitter, seamstress and teacher. We still have clothes that she professionally tailored in elegant taste and flawless execution. Betty was a devoted daughter, sister, wife & mother. She loved caring for family and friends whether it was helping to clean the church rectory, providing Halloween surprises for friends or listening with us one-on-one in a way that made us feel cared for, loved, and supported. Elizabeth (Betty) Rose O'Brien is survived by her daughter and caregiver of many years, Karen Louise Denbo of Lacey, WA, daughter Sharon Olivia (Larry) Marchant of Valdez, AK; son David Gordon O'Brien of Canby, OR; sister Ann (Bob) Wooldridge of Seattle & Moses Lake, WA; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews. She is preceded in death by husband (Frederick) Gordon O'Brien & brothers Charles, Wilson & Lyle Grant. Mom is a red rose whose beautiful bud bloomed freely. She died with great peace in her heart. Celebration of Life service at Noon on October 25, 2007 at Rill's Life Tribute Center in Port Orchard with a reception from 11:00 am to the service. Visitation will be during the reception time from 11:00am to 11:45am. Interment will follow at Sunset Lane Memorial Park in Port Orchard. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Washington and Alaska.