Helen O'Brien

Helen O’Brien (nee Fedl) age 95 and proud former resident of Fenton, MO, died peacefully on April 29, 2021. Helen loved her 9 kids unconditionally, but her lifelong love affair was with her late husband, Joseph James O’Brien aka Papa Joe. They traveled all over the US and Europe with many of the Fenton gang. Mornings found her either working a crossword puzzle or reading the PD, but she was always planning her next trip with her beloved husband.

She is survived by 8 of her children Jim (Cathy) O’Brien, Bill (Cooky) O’Brien, Eileen (Jordan) Parker, Peggy (the late Steve) Monaco, Bob (Laura) O’Brien, Sharon (Jim) Hallmark, Tim (Myra) O’Brien, and Ken (Sharon) O’Brien, and one son, Jay O’Brien, who preceded her in death. She saw her children flourish in their careers and family life along with 19 grandchildren: Nick (Jenny), Patrick, Mary Katherine, Scott (Kelly), Kim (Ted), Jake (Emily), K. Rhett (Kelsey), Andy, Meghan, Adam (Nicole), Kathleen, Kelly (Kael), Cassie, Nicole, DJ, Michael, Meredith (Chris), Derek, and Danielle and 17 great grandchildren.

Helen loved sparkle, her cake baking business, corny jokes, Hungarian food, her special potato salad and telling stories of her childhood life in the city. On her last day, she said Joe was waiting for her in the parking lot and she needed to go and she did, leaving us on her own terms.  So raise of glass of Amberbock and hug your mother. In memory of Helen, please donate to St. Vincent de Paul - location of your choice.

Services: Memorial mass to be celebrated Thursday, August 5th at 10am at St. Paul's Catholic Church. Masks are required at mass. Committal service concluded in May at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.