Mary Joyce O’Brien, 91

Mary Joyce O’Brien (née Olson) was born in Kendall, Wisconsin on September 25, 1932, to Thomas and Theresa Olson. 

Mary had three sisters, Valerie, Joan, her twin sister, and Alice. Mary graduated from Viterbo College as a registered nurse. 

She married Jerry O’Brien on June 13, 1957, and shortly after moved to Stevens Point living there for over 65 years. Mary and Jerry had five children, Jim (Darlene), Barb (Brian Smigelski), Bill (Karen), Michael, and Tess (partner Dave Laurenson and former spouse Steve Heinzen). 

Mary is preceded in death by her sisters Val and Joan and her son Michael.

The most important part of Mary’s life was her family and her faith. Mary was a wonderful grandmother to 13 grandchildren: Carrie, Emily, Jackie and Mary O’Brien, Mike and Katie Smigelski, Quinn, Jack and Will O’Brien, and Elle, Anna, Nick and Meg Heinzen, and one great-granddaughter, Evelyn. 

Her family always knew they were the most important thing in her life. They have so many wonderful memories of times together, celebrating holidays, birthdays and family dinners, playing cards, and traveling, all things that they did together that made their lives so rich and meaningful.

Mary was also a devoted Catholic, who said the rosary with her sisters almost every day. She relied on God and her faith throughout life, and God was really good to her. 

Mary’s lasting legacy to her kids and grandchildren is to know that the most important thing in life is to be a good and loving person. Mary was loved fiercely by Jerry, her kids and her grandchildren, and they will miss her every moment for the rest of their lives.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2151 Stanley Street, Stevens Point. Rev. Steve Brice will officiate. Burial will follow in the Guardian Angel Cemetery. 

Visitation  is at the church on Friday from 9 a.m. until time of service. Pisarski Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the family. 

In lieu of flowers, donations are may be made to Pacelli High School, 1301 Maria Drive, Stevens Point, Wis., 54481. For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com.