Barbara O'Brien Obituary (1943 - 2024)

Barbara J. O'Brien entered through the gates of heaven on September 10, 2024. She was born on January 5, 1943 in Detroit and lived there in her childhood. She attended St. Mary of Redford and wrote, "all the nuns I had in school helped me to learn about God. I wanted to be a nun". One of her favorite memories of school were of the nuns roller skating down the halls. Barb was a devout Catholic and her faith was central in her life. Later in life Barb studied, became, and lived the life of a Franciscan. From Detroit Barb eventually moved with her family to Howell. Barb always considered Howell her home, even after having to move away due to illness. Barb was an active participant in organizing many Howell Melon Festivals. Barb loved fine jewelry. She worked many years at Yax Jewelers, where one of her favorite tasks was to design and put together window displays. Barb wanted to make a difference in the world, and she did. Barb volunteered and worked for many different organizations that were dear to her heart. She worked for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Through the foundation she worked closely with the 1988 Rose Bowl Championship football team. She did many fundraisers that included the team. One of her favorites was the welcoming party for the team, when they arrived home from their win. This deepened her love for Michigan State University, Go Green! Barb also worked for the March of Dimes and the Livingston County Big Brothers Big Sisters organizations. Barb was active with the Howell Jaycees and held positions locally and nationally. Through the Jaycees she was a strong advocate for individuals with Muscular Dystrophy. She did numerous fundraisers for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and spent many years working the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon, even working with Jerry Lewis directly. She helped to put together the local summer camp program. However, some of her most fun times were spending the week at camp with the children. Barb's favorite place was Silver Lodge on Mullet Lake. She spent all her summers there as a child and later shared vacations there with her children. Her second favorite place was Mackinac Island. Barb spent many hours as a wedding planner for weddings on Mackinac Island. Starting her own business, Mackinac's Magical Moments, she created many magical moments for brides and grooms. Barb is proceeded in death by her mother Eleanor Kurzava, father Arthur Kurzava, and many cats and dogs. She is survived by her daughter, Wendy (Stan) Swartz, son Steve (Amy) O'Brien, grandson Glenn (Taylor) Swartz, granddaughter Samantha Swartz, granddaughter Jessica (Bryan) Christiansen, grandson John Stamper, and grandson Jacob Stamper. Funeral services will take place in Howell at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, MacDonald Chapel at 6:00pm on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. Family will greet friends from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to an animal rescue or shelter of your choosing.