O'BRIEN, Gene Lee

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, Arizona, Wednesday, October 16, 2013 Gene Lee O’Brien, 86, passed away on Aug. 25, 2013. The youngest child of Charles and Martha (O’Hern) O’Brien, Gene was born on June 26, 1927 in Chicago, Ill. She lived most of her life in the copper mining town of Globe, Ariz. Later, she moved to Chandler, Ariz. in order to be closer to family. Thirty-five adult working years went by quickly for Gene, who enjoyed the camaraderie and the challenges of the Globe District Ranger Station, where she was employed as the Business Management Officer. In retirement, Gene traveled and enjoyed Rhine and Danube river cruises as well as Hawaii and New England trips. “Irish” had been her lifelong nickname; so of course, her favorite journey was to the Emerald Isle, where she happily kissed the Blarney Stone. Favorite recreational passions included being a voracious reader, avid jigsaw puzzle player, and cheerleader for her favorite football teams, especially her alma mater, the ASU Sun Devils. Gene treasured the frivolous fun of dressing up in perfectly accessorized outfits for lunches and dinners with friends. She will be sorely missed by a family that will forever remember her stylish hospitality at all seasonal get-togethers. Christmas was her favorite time of year and she hosted vast affairs filled with lavish gifts, sumptuous feasts and noisy fun. Gene was the most loving, stubborn, generous and magical of mothers to Karin Williams of Chandler, Ariz.; Kevin Williams (Lisa) of Vista, Calif.; Rob McGann (Kay) of Grand Canyon, Ariz.; and Lisa Hughes (Dugger) of Vail, Ariz. And her presence will be missed by her grandchildren, Brett and Paige Hughes, Nolan and Tess Williams, and Erin McGann. She also leaves behind a brother, sister-in-law, nieces, cousins and life-long friends. At Gene’s request, no services are planned. The family sends a special thank you to the incredible staff at the Hospice of the Valley Lund House for their outstanding care of this amazing lady.