Catherine (Callnan) O'Brien

Catherine (Callnan) O'Brien November 4, 2014 Portland - Catherine (Callnan) O'Brien, 91, died on November 4, 2014 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough with family by her side. Cay was born in Houlton to Thomas J. and Beulah (Smith) Callnan. She graduated from Houlton High School in 1941 and from Maine General Hospital School of Nursing. While she was a young nurse and living in Portland, she met her husband, Robert James O'Brien, on a blind date on Valentine's Day, and six months later they were married. ""Bob and Cay"" lived in Portland and had 42 wonderful years together until Robert's death in 1989. For twenty years, Cay worked as a Registered Nurse, frequently working seven nights a week, doing private-duty work, caring for patients who were terminally ill. Cay is survived by her five children; Paula Balcom of Windham, Julie O'Brien of Scarborough, Laura Brewer-Callahan of Portland, James O'Brien and his wife Jeanne of Portland and Dennis O'Brien and his wife Joan of Portland, her brother Kenneth Callnan of Bracketville, Texas, her sister Marie Wright of Houlton, and her sister Joan Small of Brooklyn, New York. She will also be greatly missed by her eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren as well as her closest and devoted friend, Mary Walsh. Her brothers Philip Callnan of Houlton and Joseph Callnan of Boothbay Harbor predeceased her. Cay's greatest love was to spend time with her children, grandchildren and great - grandchildren, either at the family camp on Little Sebago Lake or at her home for the Holidays. She also loved to travel all over the world with her family, friends and church groups. She also loved going to reunions and keeping in touch with life-long friends. For many years, Cay was a daily communicant of St. Joseph's Church in Portland. Her devotion to God and desire to serve others was evidenced through her involvements in many church activities and in her volunteerism, which included; Mercy Associates, Legion of Mary, Eucharistic Minister, Visiting Ministry, Women's Sodality and teaching CCD classes. She also enjoyed fellowship with the Women's Literary Union, and The County Girls. Cay was always helping others with a sweet smile. She was deeply loved by her family and friends and she will be missed very much. Her family is extremely grateful to Joanna Rush and all of the other wonderful caregivers for their extraordinary caring and kindness, making it possible for Mum to live in her home during her four year illness. Much gratitude also goes to the compassionate staff at the Maine Medical Center and the Gosnell House. Friends and family are invited to visiting hours on Friday, November 7, 2014 from 4 - 7 pm at A.T. Hutchins Funeral & Cremation Services, 660 Brighton Ave, Portland. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 8, at 10 am at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 492 Ocean Ave, Portland. Interment will follow at Old Calvary Cemetery in South Portland where Cay will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Robert. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a contribution in Catherine's memory to: The Sisters of Mercy Associates 966 Riverside St. Portland, ME 04103