Obituary of Mary Ellen O'Brien

Mary Ellen (Hutt) O’Brien

Brockport: Passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at the age of 85.  Predeceased by her husband William F. O’Brien “OB”, son-in-law Rocco P. Salomone, parents Alfred and Barbara Hutt, siblings Cecilia Barbara (Albert) Hellman, Marilyn (Robert) Sherman and Thomas (Suzanne) Hutt, brother-in-law Richard Kiser and niece Madonna Hellman.

She is survived by her loving family; daughters Kelly O’Brien Salomone, Kathleen O’Brien-Armella and Kimberly O’Brien, son Kevin O’Brien; grandchildren Cecilia Salomone, Victoria (Zachary) Wakefield and Joseph Salomone, Jonathan and Nathan Armella; great-grandchildren Roman and Penelope Wakefield; sister Bernice “Dolly” Kiser; sister-in-law Anita O’Brien; and many nieces and nephews. Mary Ellen was blessed with many loving relatives and friends.

Mary Ellen was born and raised in Botkins, Ohio on her family farm, affectionately named “Honey” by her father. She often spoke of her days caring for animals, collecting eggs, pitching hay in the barn, picking elderberries, and helping her mom and dad with any chores on the farm. Mary Ellen always spoke fondly of her childhood days and simpler times. After graduating from high school in a class of 13 students, she pursued a career in Cosmetology in Dayton, Ohio where she met her husband “OB.”  His military career moved them around the country, often raising her children alone while OB was serving in the Navy overseas. Upon his retirement from the Navy, they moved back to his hometown of Rochester, NY, soon settling in Brockport. Through the years, she continued her career in Cosmetology, while staying home to care for her family. Mary Ellen loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and most recently her twin great-grandchildren. All of them were the joy of her life. Her only son, Kevin, devoted many years to caring for her so she could remain in her home. She was so thankful for the care and love he showed her every day and keeping her company so she would not be alone. Mary Ellen loved traveling, dining out, gardening, puzzles, cooking, and painting. She looked forward to any time she could socialize and greeted everyone who crossed her path with the most infectious smile. She will always be remembered for her joy in living, her light-hearted personality and her sweet, child-like laughter that reflected her bright spirit and love for the people who surrounded her. She was a devout Catholic her entire life and faithful servant of God. Heaven truly has gained an angel. She will be forever missed by her family.

Family will receive friends on Friday, April 26, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Fowler Funeral Home Inc., 340 West Avenue, Brockport. 

A Roman Catholic Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate her life will be Saturday, April 27 at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 152 Main Street, Brockport. 

Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery.