Eudene Harriet O'Brien Obituary (1920 - 2014)

FAIRFIELD, MAINE--Our Mother and Grandmother, Eudene O’Brien, passed away on December 17, 2014 after a full life, well lived. Eudene was born in Mercer, Maine on September 6, 1920, the daughter of Thomas and Blanche Hodgdon. The first thirteen years of her life were spent in Skowhegan, ME. Then, the family moved to Fairfield, ME which became her home for 81 years. After attending Lawrence High School, Eudene was employed at a variety of jobs such as being a nanny in Bayone, New Jersey to being an office manager at Central Maine Oil. Eudene was married to Roland J. O’Brien who predeceased her while serving in the United States Marine Corp during World War II. For thirty five years, Eudene lovingly shared her life with Charles Elias, who passed away in 1981. Eudene will forever be in the thoughts of her children, Roland O’Brien and his wife, Carolyn Seriguchi, and Dyla and her husband, Donald McIntire. Grams will be missed by her beloved granddaughter Aicha and husband Vincent Kelley and great grandchildren, Nathaniel and Ethan. They filled her heart with pure love and joy and always brought a smile to her face. Other than her parents, Eudene was predeceased by six brothers, Charles, Bo, Harry, Thomas, Dana and Bruce, and five sisters, Genola Cote, Elthea Shibley, Beverly Johnston, Faydele Kilkenny and Juanita Stoodley. Eudene was always a willing participant in civic and charitable endeavors. For many years she was a March of Dimes Mother. She also worked diligently to raise money for the American Cancer Society. As a proud Democrat, she was a familiar face on election days working at the polls for over fifty years. She enjoyed being a part of Fairfield’s planning for the bicentennial and sesquicentennial events. Throughout the years she enjoyed teaching United States Flag etiquette to local school children at the Lawrence Library. As a life member of the Grover Hinckley Post 14 American Legion Auxiliary, Eudene devoted over 65 years serving and aiding Veterans, widows and children and always thought it was her privilege to do so. She was also a member of the Fairfield Ladies Auxiliary VFW #6924 and the Salon Departmental de Maine La Boutique des Huit Chapeaux et Quarante Femmes. Eudene loved the State of Maine. She was very proud of her travels throughout the country and other parts of the world, such as Europe, Canada and Hawaii. When traveling, nothing pleased her more than to see the “Welcome to Maine” sign when coming home. Many people treated our mother with kindness and respect throughout her life. Her family would like to especially thank Martha Testa, Lisa Irving, Dr. Knausenberger, Brenda Martin, Penny Jagelund, Eleanor Wilson, Charlotte Poirier and Terry Arbo. Her family will receive friends and family at the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home on 107 Main Street in Fairfield, ME. Visiting hours will be on Saturday, December 20 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. The funeral services will also be held at Lawry Brothers on Sunday, December 21 at 2PM. Interment will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation to “American Legion Auxiliary – Department Maine, Operation Military Kids, 886 B Kennedy Memorial Drive, Oakland, ME, 04963.” An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.lawrybrothers.com Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers, 107 Main Street, Fairfield, ME.