CAROLYN A. O’BRIEN
Carolyn Ann (Michals) O’Brien passed away on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at the Beaver City Manor with her daughters by her side. Carolyn was born on March 24, 1939 to Henry E. and Grace (Gilpin) Michals on a farm outside Wilsonville, Nebraska. She graduated from Wilsonville High School in May, 1956 and married Leon O’Brien on July 26, 1956 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cambridge. To this union four daughters were born.
Carolyn was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church and Altar Society as well as a past Catechism teacher. She and Leon were farmers north of Cambridge after which she opened a ceramic store. Carolyn loved painting and sharing her knowledge and talent with adults and children. She was also a member of the Cambridge China Painters Club. Other hobbies included quilting, gardening, playing cards and games, spending time with her family and gambling. Prior to his death, Carolyn and Leon enjoyed dancing and could usually be found at the McCook Elks on Saturday nights. Carolyn also served as the administrator of the Cambridge Senior Center.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband Leon; her parents, and sister- and brother-in-law Norma Jean and Neal Elwood, and father- and mother-in-law Joe & Sophia O’Brien.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughters: Kathy Schulte, Colleen (Brent) Ballou, Mary (Doug) Palmer and Cindy (Gualberto) Alvarado; grandchildren: Morgan and Andrew (Kayla) Schulte; Katie (Matt) Van Allen, Brian (McKenna) Ballou, Kellie (Riley) Armes, and Brooke Ballou; Ashley (Mark) Evans, Brett (Mallory) Palmer and Dallas (Brittney) Palmer; GraceLyn and Garett Garniss as well as 17 great grandchildren, her sister Marilyn Brown and numerous nieces and nephews. Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband Leon; her parents, and sister- and brother-in-law Norma Mass of Christian burial will be held for 10:30 am on Monday May 24, 2021 with Father Ken Wehrs at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cambridge. Visitation will be held at the Lockenour-Jones Mortuary on Sunday, May 23, 2021 from 3: 00 pm till 6:00 pm. The Rosary will be recited on Sunday May 23, 2021, 7:00 pm at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Interment will be in the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery
Memorials are suggested to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or the Cambridge Senior Center. Friends may leave on-line condolences at lockenourfh.com. Lockenour-Jones Funeral Home of Cambridge entrusted with arrangements.
