Kathleen “Katie” M. O’Brien
Sunday, May 21, 1939
Date of Death:
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Age:
86 years old
Special Note
Macken Funeral Home is providing assistance solely with cremation services for the O'Brien family. Macken Funeral Home will not be present nor are we overseeing the service. For any inquiries or questions, kindly contact the family directly.
Sunday, May 21, 1939
Date of Death:
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Age:
86 years old
Sunday, May 21, 1939
Date of Death:
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Age:
86 years old
Kathleen “Katie” M. O’Brien
Kathleen “Katie” O’Brien passed away on January 11, 2026.
Katie was born on May 21, 1939, to Dr. John and Kathleen (Halferty) Bruen of Chicago, Illinois. She earned her BA and MA degrees from Mundelein College and Loyola University. As a BVM Religious, she spent 18 years in parish ministry and education.
Katie married Tom O’Brien in 1975. She continued her teaching career at St. Pius X School from 1979 to 1998 and was active in ministry and education with Pax Christi.
Katie is survived by her husband of 50 years, Tom O’Brien; her daughter and son-in-law, Meghan and Joe Karau; and her grandchildren, Tommy and Erin Karau, all of Rochester.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Doreen Vestal; and her brothers, George, John Dermot, and James Bruen.
A private family Mass will be held at a later date. Please feel free to leave online condolences at www.mackenfuneralhome.com . Memorials are suggested to Rochester Catholic Schools and the Rochester Public Library.
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Condolences
The family of Kathleen “Katie” M. O’Brien has received the following condolences.
Sorry for the loss of Katie.
As a neighbor to Tom and Katie it was always a pleasure to visit with the both of them.
Condolences to the family 🙏
Meghan and Tom,Tim and I were so sorry to hear of Katie’s passing,she was a strong teacher and believed in her students potential! She had a bright smile, and a great sense of humor. May she rest in peace in peace! Thinking of you tom and Meghan!
Tom, Meghan and Family,
We send our sincere sympathy to all of you.
Katie was so loved and she was such a wonderful mentor and friend to me at St. Pius. I will always remember her twinkling eyes and infectious laughter. She was such a dedicated teacher who touched so many lives. Tom, I remember you always calling her your beautiful bride. The love between the two of you was so obvious. Megan, you were always the light of her life. Please know that she will definitely be missed and we hope that your memories of times shared with her will bring you peace in the coming days.
Laurie and Jim
Tom, Meghan and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at the passing of your beloved Katie.
Her joy and laughter were so contagious! She was a vibrant, beautiful lady. Anyone who met her and your beautiful family were truly blessed.
She was my rock at St. Pius. Her gentle guidance was such a gift to me. She was so loved by all.
Tom, you were the love of her life. You treated her as your beautiful bride everyday. I remember many times leaving school in the winter and Katie's car was always cleaned of any snow. The love you shared was beautiful to behold.
Meghan, your mom loved you with every breath she took. She was so proud of you!
Her journey on earth may be done, but her impact on those who knew her will last forever.
May she rest with the Angels in heaven.
Dear Tom, Meghan, and family,
We send our love and condolences to all of Katie’s beautiful family. She was so full of life and love. Her eyes were filled with joy and mischief. We treasure all of the memories that we had together. Katie was a favorite teacher to so many and her influence on us and others will forever be treasured. God bless you as you grieve your enormous loss.
Sincere Sympathy, prayers & lots of hugs in the passing of Katie! I will always treasure the memories I have of the O'Brien family!