Jinny O'Brien

A woman whose life exemplifies what it means to be a person of faith, Virginia O’Brien was selfless in everything she did. She fully devoted herself to loving and caring for the husband and children she treasured. Jinny was always looking out for others, which kept her happily on the go - even nightly as she cooked for that large brood. She met the frantic pace of a large family, with a calm and loving demeanor. Her attributes included the ability to listen and give humbly of her motherly wisdom.

It seems only fitting that Virginia’s story began during a time that was as vibrant as she was. It was the during the Roaring Twenties that a young couple from Grand Rapids, Michigan, welcome the birth of their baby girl on February 10, 1923. Virginia Mary was the second of four children born to her parents, Jack and Gertrude (Dalton) Bechtold, and was raised in the family home on Garfield Avenue near Lincoln Park alongside her older brother, Richard, and her younger siblings, Patricia and Robert. Her father was the owner of Bechtold Bros. Furniture Co. while her mother was a homemaker. Jinny was a lifelong member of St. James Catholic Church where she received the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, and now her Funeral Mass.

In many ways Jinny experienced a typical upbringing for her generation. As a young women Jinny cared for and rode her horse "Dixie". She enjoyed everything about Grand Haven, where the family would spend two weeks every summer in the "House That Jack (Bechtold) Built". Jinny attended St. James Elementary School, Mt. Mercy Academy, and graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1940.

Not to be forgotten during her years in high school was Jinny’s introduction to the young man of her dreams. He was a classmate named Robert O’Brien, and they met while she was performing in the play “Charlie’s Aunt.” They dated during and after high school, but they were forced to correspond solely by letter while Robert was serving his country in the Naval Air Corps during WWII. Jinny kept busy continuing her education, pursuing a degree in physical education at Western Michigan University. After graduation, she went on to the Mayo Clinic, earning her degree in physical therapy after six years in college.

With his military duties fulfilled, Robert returned home and married his sweetheart on June 27, 1947, at St. James Catholic Church with a reception at her mother’s house followed by a honeymoon in Canada. They initially lived in Ann Arbor while Robert continued his education but returned to Grand Rapids in 1949 after he had become Dr. Robert O'Brien, DDS.

While living on Ball Park Boulevard, Jinny and Robert started their family that grew to include ten childrenr: Kathleen, Jon, Robert, Patrick, Michael, Timothy, Loretta, William, Terrence, and Erin. In 1956 their growing family moved to a home on Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Jinny was a dedicated wife and mother who continually put her family first. The O’Briens were a bustling family full of home and school activities with Jinny taking the lead in schooling the children in their Catholic faith and education and driving them all over the city to get where they needed to go. As a family grew ever larger the O'Brien's continued the tradition of two weeks in Grand Haven every summer.

As their children got older, Jinny began working outside of the home. She initially took a job as a physical therapist for Physical Therapist Group on College Avenue. She later worked in physical therapy at Villa Elizabeth followed by the Christian Rest Home. Jinny truly enjoyed helping the elderly with their physical needs.

Although caring for her family was first and foremost in her life, Jinny lived an active lifestyle filled with numerous things. She was an excellent seamstress who made clothing for her family and tended to all the mending in addition to creating countless Halloween costumes still stored in organized fashion in the attic on Lake Michigan Drive. She was always way ahead of birthday and Christmas shopping for their children, and kept up as the number of grandchildren grew to the present 40. Her last gift-buying sprees included gifts for 31 great-grandchildren. Jinny loved that the family still gathered at the family home for various holidays, and since they had a pool in the backyard it was a great reason for people to come visit as well. She additionally loved gardening and growing flowers in her yard, which she meticulously maintained.

Jinny had a strong faith; Her special love for the Blessed Motherled her and Bob to visit Medjugorje, and praying the Rosary became an increasingly important part of her daily routine.

Upon retirement, Jinny and Robert did some traveling to Alaska and to Florida fairly regularly in addition to California, New Mexico and Fiji. As she grew older Jinny was faced with some health challenges, including macular degeneration and a blood disease that was diagnosed five years ago.

All who knew Virginia O’Brien would agree that she was an inspiration both as a woman of faith and as a devoted mother. She was deeply loved by all who were within her reach. Jinny will never be forgotten.

Virginia Mary “Jinny” O’Brien Feb.10, 1922 – Dec. 19, 2013 Virginia Mary O’Brien, the daughter of Jacob (Jack) and Gertrude Bechtold, was called to be with her Lord on Thursday, December 19, 2013. She was a lifelong member of St. James Parish and a ‘west-sider’ all of her life. Jinny met her loving husband Robert O’Brien in high school and they were married for 66 years. Devoted mother to 10 children, she was known for her quiet spirit and service to others. Jinny’s strong faith guided her, with a particular devotion to The Blessed Mother. She was preceded in death by her sons, Dr. Patrick O’Brien and Andrew O’Brien. She is survived by her husband Dr. Robert O’Brien; her children; Kathleen (Jim) Mathews, Dr. Jon O’Brien , Bob (Ellie) O’Brien, Mick (Tracy) O’Brien, Tim (Laurie) O’Brien, Lori (Ken) Zost, Bill O’Brien, Terry (Colleen) O’Brien, Erin (Jon) Dault; daughter-in-law, Nancy O'Brien. She was blessed with 40 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren who lit up her life; her dear sister Patricia Rademacher; many nieces, nephews and friends. The family would like you to join us for visitation on Sunday, December 22nd from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 pm with prayer at 6:00 pm, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home- 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. The Funeral Mass will be at 11am on Monday, December 23rd at St. James Catholic Church, with visitation from 10-11am. Our family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the caring members of Faith Hospice. Any donations can be made to St. James Catholic Church. To read more about Jinny’s life, to sign her guest book and to leave your own memory of her, visit her web page at www.lifestorynet.com