Monday, June 16, 2025 | St. Lawrence County, NY
NORWOOD - Patricia Marie O’Brien (nee McNulty), 76, formerly of Norwood, New York passed away on March 22, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Pat was born in Potsdam, New York to Martha and Francis “Mac” McNulty on March 16, 1949. She married Leonard “Len” O’Brien in 1969 in St. Andrew’s Church, Norwood. Pat is survived by Len, her husband of 55 years; her son, Shawn O’Brien; daughter-in-law, Stephanie O’Brien; and grandson, Jackson O’Brien. She is also survived by her younger siblings Terri Wilson, Barb (Leon) Brown, and Rich (Anne) McNulty; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and friends. Pat was predeceased by her parents and her older sister, Vicky (Kevin) Cummings.
Pat, known to her early friends as Patty, graduated from Norwood-Norfolk Central School in 1967. She earned her Master of Education degree from Mercyhurst University, Erie, Pennsylvania. Pat shared her intelligence, caring nature and cheerful personality with the elementary and preschool children she taught.
Pat was a warm-hearted people-person; she was known for her sweet, kind and gentle personality, with a dash of spunkiness. Her quick, sparkling smile was a gift to everyone.
Pat fancied the Irish heritage her dad, “Mac,” passed on to her. Born the day before St. Patrick’s Day, she was named after the Irish saint. She was proud to take part in the “Wearin’ of the Green.” In her earlier years, Pat, having inherited her mom’s green thumb, was fond of gardening - even in the Texas heat. She and her family enjoyed sightseeing throughout the southern states, visiting Hawaii, and taking Caribbean cruises.
Pat’s faith was an ever-present compass and guided her day-to-day life. Throughout the years, she faced many challenging health issues. But through it all Pat maintained her positive attitude and continued to empathize with others who were experiencing hardship.
As Pat’s increasingly compromised health kept her closer to home, she engaged in a wide variety of mental activities. She enjoyed her grandson, Jack’s, visits and their competitive Scrabble games. Other favorites included solving crossword puzzles and cryptograms, and completing jigsaw puzzles. Pat was a loyal fan of the University of Texas football team. She delighted in cheering on the Longhorns and flashing the “Hook ‘em Horns” hand gesture.
In recent months, Pat enjoyed quiet evenings on the patio watching the deer and listening to the birds. It brought her joy to reminisce about her early years and friends, and to listen to “The Oldies.”
Throughout her life, Pat cherished her family and friends. Many of us will remember, with fondness, the emotional connection we felt with Pat through one of her strong, signature hand squeezes. With love in our hearts, as Pat liked to say, “Adieu.”
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