Kathryn O'Brien Obituary

Kathryn Anne O'Brien

Kathryn Anne O'Brien (nee Murphy), age 80, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025, in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, due to complications from Alzheimer's Disease. A devoted wife, daughter, sister, mother and grandmother, Kathryn's life was marked by resilience, warmth, and a deep commitment to her family and community.

Born on October 6, 1944, in Champaign, Illinois, Kathryn was the daughter of Maurice E. Murphy and Kathryn A. Murphy. As a military child, she experienced life in thirteen different cities before settling into her studies at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, where she graduated with a Home Economics Degree in 1967. These early experiences instilled in her a remarkable adaptability and appreciation for family and community.

Kathryn began her professional and married journey in Seattle, Washington, before relocating to South Bend, Indiana to continue her career and become a mother. After starting a family with her beloved husband James O'Brien, she chose to focus on raising their children -- Timothy, Jonathan, and Nora -- with unwavering love and dedication. Once the children were old enough, she returned to the workforce as the Cafeteria Manager at Elk Grove High School. In this role, she served with pride and care for many years until her retirement. Upon retirement, Kathryn and Jim traveled the world with friends and family until they moved to Hoschton, GA in 2015. In late 2023, they returned to Chicago, IL.

Kathryn was deeply rooted in Elk Grove Village, where she became an active member of the community. She had a gift for bringing people together -- whether through her involvement in various clubs or simply by opening her home and heart to others. Her talents were many: she was a tremendous cook whose meals brought comfort and joy; a skilled gardener who nurtured beauty around her; an accomplished seamstress; an enthusiastic shopper; and a natural organizer who brought order and grace to every endeavor.

She is survived by her loving husband James; their children, Timothy (Tara Hinds), Jonathan (Colleen), and Nora; grandchildren, Keegan, Kailin, Tynan, Tayden, and Tristen O'Brien; and her sister, Alice Shreiner.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Col. Maurice E. Murphy and Kathryn A. Murphy; and her brother, Lt Col. Maurice E. Murphy II.

Kathryn will be remembered as the most thoughtful person you could ever know -- a devoted mother, proud daughter and sister, dedicated wife, and cherished friend. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched with kindness and care. She will be missed by family and friends for many years to come.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 10, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 02:00 PM at Grove Memorial Chapel 1199 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village..