Colleen O’Brien
September 27, 1948 – November 9, 2022
Colleen O’Brien, of Richmond, went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at age 74.
Colleen was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia, and her father, John O’Brien. She is survived by her daughter, Erin, and her husband, CJ Weaver, and their daughter, Madison; as well as her brother, Tom O’Brien, and his wife, Jane, and their son, Michael, and his wife, Tricia as well as their children, Steven and Meghan. She is also survived by her brother, Dennis O’Brien.
Colleen’s life was one of laughter and music. She was a friend to everyone she met.
A memorial gathering will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 19, at Affinity Funeral Service- Richmond Chapel, 2720 Enterprise Pkwy, Richmond. VA 23294.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to www.feedmore.org.
On behalf of Cynthia Advani and family, we wish to extend our deepest condolences on the loss of your mother, Colleen. Our prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow.
I met Colleen long ago. She was fighting to find her footing after overcoming some personal demons. Never once did she complain or blame others. Instead, she buckled down, stared down the unknown and quickly proved herself to a tough crowd of REALTORS who demanded performance. Shortly thereafter, living alone, in a town far from family and close friends, Colleen woke up pregnant one day and embraced the new challenge & chance for a new beginning. So, off she went, back to her roots in Richmond, where she started all over with her family, a new daughter, a new life and a new job. Always with a smile and a positivity that covered her fears. One day at a time, until one day, the daughter had grown into an amazing adult and the time to retire arrived. But nothing came easy for Colleen, about the time she was ‘hitting the short rows’, her body let her down. Way too soon. Totally unfair. But tackle it she did, with her daughter and granddaughter at her side, Colleen didn’t quit — and never bitched. So now, she’s finally getting the rest and peace that have eluded her since the day I first met in 1987. And as much as it saddens me to know she’s gone, I’m thrilled at the same time that she’s finally getting what she’s long deserved. Rest well, kid. You’ve earned it.
Colleen was a classmate at Douglas Freeman High School…class of 1966 Rebels. I reconnected with her quite a few years ago at our reunions and lunches. I’ve never known her not to have a smile. She never aged and looked the same as when we graduated! She was such a beautiful person inside and out. We shared stories of our struggles over the years. I’m so glad I had the chance to spend time with her. . She has suffered a lot though and quite often wasn’t able to join us in our gatherings. I’ll miss her for sure but I’m relieved that she is at peace and no longer suffering. She will have classmates who have passed away and will be waiting for her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this time.
Colleen was a sweet lady, always with a smile. Her generosity was exceeded only by her convictions to her beliefs. A couple of family stories will always stand out, and we’ll continue to tell these stories over and over at get-togethers, garnering good-natured laughs from everyone. First story involves Maddie’s birth, with Erin’s sister-in-law and me hovering outside–near the window of the ground-level delivery room–since we obviously weren’t allowed inside. Colleen, who was in the delivery room, stood between us and the window, narrating Maddie’s arrival loud enough for Nicola and me to hear. We couldn’t have experienced it better if we had been inside! Colleen was quite the fellow-conspirator! Second story happened during the same time. My dad (Maddie’s great-grandfather), Colleen, and some of the rest of our family had gone outside for some fresh air after waiting inside for the announcement of Maddie’s birth. It was hot that day (May 31), and Colleen commented on that. Daddy told her, “Colleen, come stand in the shade of this flag pole and cool off.” We all know how teeny Colleen was. 🙂 We all love you, Colleen…
We were such good friends many years ago. What a sweetheart she was. Always a smile and a good word. Pretty as a picture without even knowing it. My heart hurts that I will never be able to talk with her again. 💔😓🌹💕