Mary Charlotte O'Brien Kegel, beloved mother, wife, sister, and friend, passed peacefully from this life on Monday, September 9, 2024, at the age of 98. She was born on March 6, 1926, in Charleston, South Carolina, the eldest daughter of the late Paul O'Brien and Louise Conlon O'Brien. She spent her childhood living with her family in Argentina and Aruba, returning to Marietta PA at the age of 16. After graduating from Lancaster Catholic High School, she obtained her Registered Nursing degree at St Joseph's School of Nursing and worked as a public health nurse and an obstetrical nurse for many years, and was involved in the Visiting Nurses Association, serving in a leadership role on its board. She was married to Eugene E Kegel MD in 1947 and, together, they established their home in Lancaster PA, raising 5 children and enjoying 70 years of happy marriage.

Charlotte is survived by her children and their spouses – Dorothy Kegel Cullinan and Kevin Cullinan of Wellesley MA, Daniel Kegel MD and Regina Schwartz Kegel of Lancaster PA, Margaret Kegel Szerejko MD and James Szerejko of West Hartford CT , Mary Kegel MD and Geoffrey Stankiewicz of Lancaster PA, and Felicia Kegel Bechtel and Timothy Bechtel of Lancaster PA; 10 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; her sisters Margaret Lord, Louise Sorbello, Joyce Rebman, and Beth Smith; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, her two brothers, John and Paul O'Brien, and her cherished granddaughter, Katherine Cullinan.

Charlotte will be remembered forever as the brilliant matriarch of her family. She remained involved and interested in all their endeavors for as long as she was able always encouraging her loved ones. She promoted education, fairness, and equality, and had an intellectual curiosity that never failed her. Reading was her passion and those who knew her could always be regaled with a good story. In her later years, she loved to make a statement with a good hat. She lived a long and full life, and we will miss her dearly.

Immeasurable thanks to all who helped her in her final journey, including her caregivers Joely Ayala, Marielee Ventura, Rayssa Velez, Joyce Rebman, Jody Kegel, Peggy Benz, Jocelyn Sanchez of Eleanor Home Health Agency, the incredible staff at Homestead Village Retirement Community, Chaplain Wayne Cooley, Hospice, and her friends and extended family near and far who continued to check in on her with caring, warmth, and love. Charlotte's family is forever grateful for your presence in her life.

Friends and family are respectfully invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM on Friday, September 13, 2024, at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 2427 Marietta Ave, Lancaster, PA 17601. Private interment will be in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends will be received from 10-11AM at the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Lancaster Catholic High School, 650 Juliette Ave, Lancaster, PA 17601 or to St. Leo the Great Catholic Church at the above address.