Submit a PhotoLink to Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlTKkUVxf8Y.
Mary Pat O’Brien, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 21st in Mesa, AZ. She was 80 years old. Mary Pat lived a full life with many phases – each one different from the one before and, just like the storyteller she was, she would keep us all engaged through to the final chapter. Her story began in Chicago, Illinois, born April 4, 1941, the Southside Irish Catholic daughter of Tom and Agnes O’Brien, sister to Rita. Always an independent one, from the time she was young she would ride horses and often marvel at how she would ride the train alone to her lessons. She was a graduate of Lourdes High School and found her individuality in competing in horse shows and skiing. Her persistence and wanderlust led her to an opportunity at United Airlines, starting in 1966 as a ticket agent in downtown Chicago. This grew into an illustrious career of nearly 38 years. At United, Mary Pat excelled, winning many Sales awards, traveled the world and made countless, lifelong friends along the way. In 2004, she followed her family West and re-established her roots to sunny Gilbert, Arizona where she found a new home and a new chapter.
When Mary Pat moved to Trilogy, she found her “chosen family” and a new purpose. After a lifetime of working, in retirement she found the time to embrace her creative side through painting, drawing, and writing. Additionally, she cultivated her desire to stay fit through her faithful walking group. One of her greatest pleasures was representing her peers through the articles she wrote for the San Tan Press. Getting to know her neighbors and sharing those stories with the public was something she thoroughly enjoyed. Her loyalty to her friends, her faith and her community was infinite.
For the stubbornly independent person she was, Mary Pat was continually surrounded by friends – those that she carried with her through each chapter of her life. And, toward the end, they carried her. She was loved by so many that spanned over decades – she will be greatly missed.
Mary Pat is survived by her 2 children: Demian Hamblin Willis (Sonia) of San Diego, CA and April Erin Risko of Scottsdale, AZ. Mary Pat is also survived by her 5 grandchildren: Georgiana, Aidan, Samantha (Demian); Jacob, Katherine (April).
Services for Mary Pat will be held at 10 am on Monday, January 31st at St. Juan Diego Catholic Church, 3200 South Cooper Road, Chandler, AZ 85286. The link to the service is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlTKkUVxf8Y. Urn placement to follow at the Gilbert Memorial Park 2100 E Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, AZ
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My sincere condolences to the family of Mary Pat. She was a wonderful woman. I had the pleasure of meeting her through the walk group at Trilogy. I often walked with her and we had many conversations. She will be missed!
We all feel the loss of Mary Pat. She was not only a good friend but a true component of our life. We went to church at St. Juan Diego on the weekends. We joined each other for the Trilogy events presented throughout each month. I dearly miss her cheerful smile.
We know she is in heaven looking down on us. I feel that she is still with us. I hope to meet up with her someday.
Mary Pat was one of the kindest, gentlest, and happiest people I know. She always had a smile and kind word. I will miss seeing her at church and giving the sign of peace. She was special.
Rest in Peace my Irish friend – “And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”
We are so blessed to have known Marypat as our neighbor next door. She is an extraordinary woman,pleasant,kind&caring.She always had a smile no matter what she is feeling.We will miss her dearly.We hope that you can take comfort in knowing that Marypat was loved by many here at Trilogy @Power Ranch.We will not say goodbye but so long Marypat till we meet again.
I will miss your insight and wit, old friend. May God hold you in the palm of his hand. I remember our riding and skiing days.
I will miss my cousin. I am praying for her entire family. She was never anything but nice to me. This is such tragic news. May God bless her and her family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Mary Pat and I use to walk together in the early morning with the “walkers’ group” here in Trilogy. She was a friend and so devoted to writing in the San Tan Press which I always enjoyed reading, but also did so much for the community. We will all miss her but will see her in heaven.
So sad to hear of Mary Pat’s passing
Had many Notre Dame and Cubs conversations
Truly a nice and caring person
Pat was my classmate at St Nick’s grammar school and friend during high school years. Her kindness and beautiful spirit and smile were gifts to all who knew her. May God comfort her family and gently hold Pat in the crook of His arm.