O’Brien, Rosemary G.

Albany- Rosemary O’Brien, 84, beloved wife of the late Jim O’Brien died peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, November 11, 2013. Born October 21, 1929 in Albany, Rosemary was the daughter of the late James E. Grady and Mary (Mott) Grady. She was a graduate of the Cathedral Academy and the St Peter’s Hospital School of Nursing. She resided and worked her whole life in Albany. Rosemary dedicated her life to serving the needs of others as a nurse, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and caring friend. She could always be counted on to be there when needed or to enjoy a good time. She never passed up an opportunity to travel, was an avid reader and enjoyed meeting new friends. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and was the best fan at her grandchildren’s many activities from Irish step dancing, hockey, lacrosse, horseback riding, ice skating and competitive dancing. Her family will always remember baking gingerbread men, admiring her sewing talents and her encouragement to do your best.

Rosemary is survived by her loving children Kathleen Mirell O’Brien of Los Angles, California, Jacqueline and Dennis Pappalardi of Delmar, James and Camille O’Brien of Vestal, Gregory O’Brien of Albany and Bethany and Darren Moser of Slingerlands; cherished “Mimi” of Dr Jill Pappalardi (Dr Tim Amrhein) of Charleston, SC, Michael Pappalardi of Albany, Jeffrey Pappalardi of Delmar, Caitlin O’Brien of Vestal, Heather Durfee and Allison Moser of Slingerlands and the proud great grandmother of Tyler James Amrhein. Sister of Joan and Charles Rafferty, Thomas and Nancy Grady, Noreen and John McFarland and sister-in-law, Joan Grady. She was predeceased by her sisters and brother- in-laws Eileen and Arthur McAuley, Theresa and Robert Wood and M. Lois Grady and brother Vincent Grady and sister-and brother-in-law Shirley and Dewey Lenge. She is survived by many loving nieces, nephews and her many devoted friends from the Albany Hibernians.

Rosemary was happiest engaged in community service, craft and garden club activities and fund raising projects but really found her love when she discovered her Irish dancing friends at the Albany Hibernians. She took dancing lessons, Irish language classes and competed through her seventies in adult dances at the Irish Feis. One of her proudest projects was creating Albany’s only Famine Garden found at the Hibernian Hall location on Ontario St. Rosemary has been a member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians for 33 years. She served as a Capital District Irish American Association Board member since its inception acting as CDIAA Secretary, and the Vice President for several years. She enjoyed managing and promoting Hall functions as the Rental Agent and created and served as Chairwoman of the murder mystery dinners, antique appraisal workshops, numerous raffles, dances and her infamous Garage Sales. To honor her dedication and contributions, last week she was inducted into the CCE Northeast Region Irish Hall of Fame. She’s well known for her perseverance in getting what she wants-writing grants and acquiring donations. All this hard work is to ensure her dream of preserving the Irish heritage and culture for her grandchildren and surrounding communities.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Dr David Shaffer for his never ending support and compassion. A special thank you to the nurses and staff at New York Oncology and Hematology at Albany Medical Center and Community Hospice (Nina Lake and Loretta) for their care and attention.

Funeral services to honor Rosemary’s life will be held at 9:00 a.m. Saturday November 16, 2013 with a Mass of Christian Burial at All Saints Catholic Church (formerly known as Saint Margaret Mary’s), Homestead St, Albany. Family and friends are invited to attend and may also call at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home 490 Delaware Avenue, Albany on Friday, November 15, 2013 from 3 to 7 p.m. Graveside services and burial will follow the Mass at Saint Agnes Cemetery in Menands.

Memorial contributions may be made in Rosemary’s memory to Capital District Irish American Association, 375 Ontario Street, Albany, NY 12208 to support the Famine Garden.