Shirley O'Brien Obituary

Shirley Ann O'Brien

Shirley Ann O'Brien, 66, of Arlington, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024.

She was born March 4, 1958, in Taunton, Massachusetts. Although Shirley was born with Downs Syndrome, she never let it hinder living life to its fullest. Her ever-present smile and hilarious sense of humor along with deep hearted sensitivity lightened everyone's life she entered. She was truly gifted at filling her family and friends with love, happiness, and goodwill.

Shirley was extremely active and competitive for many years, competing in local, state, and international Special Olympic events. Her favorite events were swimming, track, and equestrian, In 1996, Shirley was honored as an inductee into the Massachusetts Special Olympics Hall of Fame.

Later in life, Shirley was exposed to the world of art thanks to one of the many programs she was involved in. She had a wonderful gift of capturing her visions on canvas with very colorful detailed paintings.

For many years, Shirley was employed by Sheraton Hotels in Massachusetts and Marathon Petroleum in Ohio. At these companies, she dearly loved the independence and social atmosphere of working.

Shirley is survived by her mother, Dorothy O'Brien of Arlington; brothers, Arthur (Julie) O'Brien of Findlay, Patrick O'Brien of Richmond Hill, Georgia, and Walter (Jody McGrath) O'Brien of Stowe, Vermont; and nieces and nephews, Craig, Kaitlyn, Brittany, Tyler, and Morgan.

She was preceded in death by her father, Richard O'Brien; grandparents, Joseph and Many McKenna and Walter and Florence O'Brien; and sister-in-law, Kimberly O'Brien.

There will be no service at this time.

Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Shirley to Awakening Minds Art, 1640 Tiffin Ave., Findlay, Ohio, 45840, awakeningmindsart.org/shirley.

Arrangements have been entrusted to CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Arlington.

Online condolences can be expressed to the family by visiting coldrencrates.com.