Joy J. O'Brien February 23, 1954 October 15, 2014 PORTLANDa€""Joy J. O'Brien Joy J. O'Brien, the longest serving Maine Senate Secretary in state history, died Wednesday following a courageous battle with cancer. Joy was born February 23, 1954 to John (Jack) and Jadine O'Brien in Brockton, Massachusetts. She grew up in the Deering Center section of Portland, graduating from Deering High School and New England College. Joy started her career in the New Hampshire Legislature as a nonpartisan staff member before coming to the Maine Legislature in 1980 as a special assistant in the Senate Democratic Office. In 1982, she was sworn in as Secretary of the Senate and worked in the Maine Senate until her passing. Joy exemplified what a public servant should be. During her tenure, Joy was instrumental in the major remodeling of the Senate Chamber; under her direction the Senate balcony was opened again for public use during session. Additionally, Joy paved the way for the use of technology and computers in the office and chamber. Her qualifications and resume were unmatched for the position of Secretary of the Senate. She understood and respected the legislative process and was an excellent parliamentarian as well as a very skilled administrator. She was a respected member of the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries. While Joy had many interests in her life, her love of bowling was at the top of the list. A member of the bowling team Back in Black, Joy or Skittles (as she was known at the bowling alley) loved her time at the lanes at Bayside Bowl. In addition to her parents, Joy is survived by her partner of 15 years Dick Ranaghan of Portland and his sons Matt and Jimmy Ranaghan. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law Jill O'Brien Thiel and Peter Thiel of Peaks Island and her niece and nephew Caitlin and Robert Thiel. Joy was also close to her godchildren Eddie and Zoe Beaulieu and Lilly Beaulieau-Mullen and Lilly's son Mickey Mullen. Visiting hours will be at A.T. Hutchins Funeral & Cremation Services, 660 Brighton Ave in Portland from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, October 19th. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home at 9:15 am on Monday, October 20, followed by a celebration of her life at St. Joseph Church at 673 Stevens Ave in Portland at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 20th. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Joy's name to the: Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Maine PO Box 7830 Portland, ME 04112