Feb 2, 2014

Enjoyed quilting, hooking rugs and glass collecting

Shirley M. Alexander O’Brien, 85, of Washington, died Sunday, February 2, 2014, in her home, surrounded by her family.

She was born August 3, 1928, in Washington, a daughter of the late Charles H. Sr. and Elizabeth Piatt Alexander.

Mrs. O’Brien was a 1946 graduate of Washington High School and was a homemaker. She was a member of First Christian Church of Washington, where she was a member of the former “Two and Two” class.

She enjoyed quilting, hooking rugs and glass collecting. She was former president and secretary of the National Duncan Glass Society and a former member of Martha Washington Quilt Guild and National Duncan Glass Society Chapter No. 1.

On September 3, 1949, in First Christian Church, Washington, she married Francis P. O’Brien Jr., who survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Francis P. (Diana) O’Brien III and Dennis C. (Mary) O’Brien Sr., both of Washington; two daughters, Patricia A. (Marshall) Gwilliam and Diane L. O’Brien, both of Washington; six grandchildren, Lori Stickle Ruben, Amy Matteson, Christy Gray, Jennifer Marsh, DJ O’Brien and Kate DeGarmo; four stepgrandchildren, Ralph and Wendy Gwilliam, Levi Curtis and Sadie Orr; 18 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Deceased are a great-grandchild; a brother, Charles H. Alexander; and two sisters, Lois J. Grose and Ruth B. Alexander.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 6, with the Rev. Stephen Smythers officiating. All other services will be private.

Memorial contributions may be directed to First Christian Church, 615 East Beau Street, Washington, PA 15301. Condolences may be expressed at and photos uploaded to www.familyremembers.com. Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner/supervisor, and Lawrence K. Donovan, director.