Obituary of Sister Eleanor O'Brien

SISTER ELEANOR O’BRIEN (Sister Mary Rita) Sister Eleanor died at Santa Maria Senior Citizens' Home on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at the age of 90 years. Born in Regina on March 15, 1924, Eleanor was predeceased by her parents John Tierney and Marcella (Galvin) O'Brien; brothers William, John and Lam(Bert); sister Rita; brother-in-law John Overend; and niece Maureen O'Brien. She is survived by her sister Catherine Overend, of Regina; sister-in-law Dorothy O'Brien, of Edmonton; and their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Having met the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions as teachers at Holy Rosary School and Sacred Heart Academy, Eleanor joined the congregation after high school and in 1943 received the name Sister Mary Rita. She returned to her baptismal name in the 1970's. Most of Eleanor's active life was spent in teaching in Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Regina, and Lebret, later serving in various roles in the community including leadership, secretary, librarian, spiritual direction, and ministering to the sick, both at home and in hospitals. Later, Sister entered into prison ministry, first in Manitoba and then in Regina where she joined "Friends on the Outside", deepening her compassion for folk deprived of their liberty. In later years Sister supported all these works through the ministry of prayer and suffering, never forgetful of her O'Brien family ties and her religious companions. Eleanor will be remembered for her compassion, her profound spirituality, her loyalty to her friends, and her love of company, family and friends. Special thanks go to the staff at Santa Maria who for the last year have given Sister loving care and attention. Funeral Mass will be held at Santa Maria Senior Citizens’ Home Chapel, 4215 Regina Avenue, on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Glenn Zimmer and Rev. Ken Koep con-celebrating. Interment to follow in Riverside Memorial Park. Donations in memory of Eleanor may be made to the Mission Fund of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions, 310 Provencher Boulevard, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 0G7.