Obituary: Kathleen “KK” O’Brien

Kathleen “KK” O’Brien, at 79

Kathleen “KK” O’Brien, of Hull, formerly of Dorchester, died peacefully at her daughter’s home in Hull on Thursday, July 14, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was 79.

Born in Dorchester on Jan. 6, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Paul A. and Alma L. (Major) O’Brien. She was raised in Fields Corner, attended local schools and graduated from the Jeremiah E. Burke High School. Ms. O’Brien’s career was with Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she worked as a team leader and specialized in training. She enjoyed her career and all the relationships she built throughout the years.

“KK” was a woman of great faith and lived her life in accordance with the three great virtues of the church: Faith, Hope, and Love. Love of God and love of family were the cornerstone values she lived by, and she raised her family with these same values. Ms. O’Brien had many devotions to Our Lady and was an active communicant at St. Ann’s Church in Hull. Throughout the years, Ms. O’Brien taught CCD to many children in town.

Ms. O’Brien was a true matriarch and a beautiful mother. She was protective, strong and dedicated, not only to her seven children, but to many other children in the community. She was a “momma bear.” She always believed that God blessed her seven times with her seven children, and was determined to love, protect, cherish, raise and prepare her children for adulthood.

Ms. O’Brien was an artist and loved to create art by mediums of oil painting, knitting, painting eggs, and creating “The Madyson Doll Collection,” which she patented many years ago in tribute to her grandchild, who died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Ms. O’Brien would create these dolls as gifts to her friends and family. Oil painting was by far her favorite medium. She created many pieces that won awards in the Quincy Art Association, of which she was a member. Her favorite scenes to paint were seascapes and lighthouses, and some of these paintings can be seen hanging in the administrative offices of the Hull Police Department.

Ms. O’Brien will be remembered as an avid animal and dog lover, and a selfless, faithful, person with a great sense of humor. Her life lessons and example are part of her legacy that continues through her family. Her life has left a lasting impression on all the lives she touched.

Ms. O’Brien was the devoted mother of Deputy Chief Neil J. Reilly, HPD, and his wife, Robin, of Hull, Patrick O. Reilly of Boston, Christine M. McDonough and her husband, Thomas, of Hull, Michelle A. Glennon and her husband, Patrick, of Hull, Kathleen E. Mahoney and her husband, Jon, of Hull, Thomas M. Reilly and his wife, Kristen, of Hingham, and Matthew M. Reilly and his wife, Molly, of Hull. She was the loving grandmother of 18 grandchildren and the dear sister of Alma H. Roche and her husband, Dave, of Sharon. Ms. O’Brien is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her siblings Paul, Noreen, Jack, Dorothy, and Louise. 

Visiting hours were held on July 20 at the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home in Hingham, with a Celebration of Life Service in the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 21, prior to the Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Parish in St. Ann’s Church at 10:30 a.m. Services concluded with interment in Hull Village Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in KK’s name to Boston Children’s Hospital Trust: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), 401 Park Dr., Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215. (When selecting the “Gift Designation” drop-down menu, select: “Other” and type Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). For questions, please contact Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, 617-355-6890.) Visit www.Keohane.com for online condolences.