Ellen V. O'Brien

1948 – 2022

West Springfield – Ellen V. (Kirby) O'Brien, 74, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family.  Ellen was born in Springfield, the daughter of Philip and Claire (McLaughlin) Kirby.  She went to St. Thomas Elementary School and was a 1967 graduate of West Springfield High School. She then received her nursing degree from Holyoke Community College and worked as a Registered Nurse for 30 years at Mercy Hospital before retiring in 2010.  Ellen was a communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle Church and was an avid golfer.  Above all, she loved to spend time with family and friends.  She leaves her husband of 54 years Joseph T. O'Brien; two sons Patrick and Joseph; two sisters Joyce Frasca and Mary Jane Smith; two granddaughters Breeana O'Brien and Kiana O'Brien, and many nieces and nephews.  The funeral will be held at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home Thursday, Sept. 8th at 9:00am with Liturgy in St. Thomas the Apostle Church at 10:00am followed by burial in St. Thomas Cemetery.  Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, Sept. 7th from 4:00 – 7:00pm.  For more information and online condolences please visit curranjones.com.  Memorial contributions may be made to theangelus.com, an organization that Ellen cared deeply about.