Mary Rose O'Brien Obituary (1956

Mary Rose O'Brien (Mary O) passed away unexpectedly on August 17th, 2014. Mary was born on December 18, 1956 in Seattle, WA to Jeanne and John O'Brien. A lifelong Seattle native, she attended St. Joseph's grade school, Holy Names and Queen Anne high schools, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Seattle Pacific University while on a track scholarship. Mary was currently employed by Neiman Marcus in Bellevue, WA. Her career was primarily in the fitness industry, most notably at the Seattle Athletic Club where she worked as an aerobics instructor for many years. She was passionate about sports and fitness and a pioneer in the aerobics boom of the '80s. Mary embraced it with intensity; encouraging, motivating and inspiring individuals with her "Body by O'Brien" classes. She was warmhearted and generous, a natural born teacher who loved nothing more than motivating people to be their best. Mary loved everything fitness related, especially running, working out, and water skiing. Outside of fitness, she enjoyed watching football, spending time at the cabin on Camano, doing crossword puzzles, and playing cards with her father. Mary's greatest joy was being a mother. She was happiest spending time with her son Blake enjoying life's simple pleasures. He was the light of her life and her proudest accomplishment. A very distant second was her love for the Seattle Seahawks who will definitely miss their 12th Man this coming season. A generous and giving spirit, Mary volunteered each year as an elf delivering gifts on Christmas Eve through "The Forgotten Children's Fund". In addition to her parents, she is survived by her beloved son Blake O'Brien Zeman, Godmother Bettie Smith, siblings Anne (Fran), John (Susan), Julie (Steve), Frank (Deb), Patrick (Meagan), Joe (Debbie), Kerri Hong, cherished nieces and nephews, wonderful relatives, and countless lifelong friends. A private family mass will be held. Please join us in celebrating Mary's life on Monday, August 25, 2014 from 4:30 - 8:30 pm, at the UW Botanic Garden at the Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st St Seattle, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to "Eddie O'Brien Athletic Endowment Fund at Seattle University" 901 12th Ave Seattle, WA 98122. For online donations go to www.seattleu.edu - click on "Give" on the top right then "Make a Gift" on the left nav bar. In appropriate sections, please type Mary O'Brien "In honor of:" and Eddie O'Brien "In memory of:". Guestbook at harveyfuneral.com Waving you onward... Hoffner Fisher & Harvey HarveyFuneral.com