Marie J. (Florkowski) O'Brien

Mother, grandmother, sister, friend, Marie (Florkowski) O’Brien passed away October 12, 2019 after a long battle following a stroke. She was the matriarch of our family, taking great pride in our accomplishments. No sacrifice was too great so we never knew a moment of need. Born in Yonkers, NY in 1941to Michael and Gertrude Florkowski, Marie married the love of her life Stephen O’Brien in 1964. Together they had three children, Sean (Angela) of Marston Mills, MA., Jennifer (William) of Springfield, MA., and Kevin (Kathleen) of Holyoke, MA. She was predeceased by her husband in 1984. In addition to her children, she is also survived by five beautiful grandchildren, Stephen (Jamie) and Erin Bradley, William O’Brien, and Caitlin and Carson Gardipe, as well as three sisters, Rita Brokowski, Carol MacDermott, and Michelle Power and many nieces and nephews, and a dear friend Mary Lou Hendrickson of Springfield. Marie had a diverse employment background, starting in publishing in New York as a young woman, she later managed a Springfield toy store, and worked in a Holyoke wedding dress shop. Wherever she went, she took people in, making them welcome in her home and taking joy in feeding them amazing meals. Marie was a wonderful cook and her pirogi's were legendary.  A truly great lady, she will be forever in our hearts. Marie’s funeral will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 9a.m. at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10a.m. in St. Patrick’s Church, 1900 Allen Street in Springfield. Burial will conclude in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 18, 2019 from 4-7p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Dakin Humane Society, 171 Union Street, Springfield, MA, 01105.