Obituaries
Elizabeth Catherine O’Brien, 89
February 22, 2014
Elizabeth Catherine O’Brien died peacefully on Saturday morning February 22, 2014, surrounded by her family. Betty was born on March 5, 1924 in Pittsburgh, PA, the daughter of the late Amelia Coppy and Harry Mellon.
During WWII, Betty enlisted in the Navy and served as a radio operator on Bainbridge Island interpreting Morse code. After the war she met her husband William Joseph O’Brien whom she married on November 30, 1946. Betty and Bill moved to Lancaster with their 4 girls in 1956. They were members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Maureen, wife of Thomas O’Brien of St. Croix, USVI, Karen, wife of William Kiefer of Elkins Park, PA, Patricia, wife of Frederick Mattera, of West Kingston, RI and Susan, wife of Martin Hohenadel of Lancaster, PA; her grandchildren, Ingrid Weeks, Olivia Furlow, Natalie and Travis Mattera, and Amelia and Angie Hohenadel and Marcy Hohenadel West and 7 great-grandchildren. Betty is also survived by her brother, James Mellon, and her sister, Phyllis Murphy. She was preceded in death by her sister, Jean McLaughlin.
Betty will be buried in St. Joseph’s New Catholic Cemetery next to her beloved husband Bill. A Memorial Mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church will be held in the spring.
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Condolences to the Family
March 29, 2014
To the O’Brien family, my memories of your mother include her always beautiful smile from both my childhood, and your mom and dad together in later years from st. Philips and John Herr’s where I often ran into them. The love and gentleness she showed everyone will remain in my memory. May she rest in peace and may God comfort all of you. Ginny (Fritz) Anspach
February 28, 2014
My deepest sympathies go to the O’Brien family. Betty was my Godmother and although I had not seen her for some time, I have fond memories of her and your dad visiting our house. I especially like to remember the time they took me for a spin in their airplane! That is the way I will always remember Betty and Bill- circling my town and showing me the view.
February 28, 2014
Dear “O’Brien” girls,
From the “Carter” girls, please know that we all loved your mother deeply, and she was a good and very kind, supportive friend for our mother. You will undoubtedly think of her very often, but somehow it is always a familiar comfort. Take care, Mary (Carter) Conlon.
February 27, 2014
Dear girls:
Sorry to read of the passing of your mother. She was a good and gracious neighbor to have growing up. She will be missed greatly.
God speed and may she rest in peace.
Bill Harple Jr.
February 27, 2014
My condolences to the O’Brian family. I have very fond memories of your sweet mother. May God ease you pain and soothe you all and may she rest in peace! She was such a dear person! Love, Gwen (Gilroy) Rogers
February 27, 2014
Dear Maureen, Karen, Pat and Sue,
Cookie and I were so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing because we understand how hard it is to loose your mother. She was the last parent of all our friends in the “old” neighborhood and now joins them in heaven. How wonderful the reunion must have been for Betty to join your Dad and the rest of their firends and family who have gone before them. We send to you our heartfelt sympathy but leave you with the hope and the promise of God’s everlasting peace and joy that Betty and Bill will enjoy for eternity. We have many fond memories of Betty and cherish the time we all spent together while growing up. May Christ confort and console you and your families. With Love, Diane and Cookie Hoak
February 27, 2014
Pat and family
Sorry to read of the passing of your mother. I will remember her in my prayers today.
Gary Burger
