Coral K. O’Brien

Coral Eleanor (Kenney) O’Brien- of Scituate, a former resident of Belmont for 57 years until 2004, died on Friday, January 23, 2009, at the age of 90. She was the wife of the late John F. O’Brien.

A native of Brighton, she was the daughter of the late William J. and Coral E. (Gravlin) Kenney.

Mrs. O’Brien graduated from Boston Girls’ Latin School in 1936. She graduated from Simmons College in 1940 with a B.S. Degree. At a later date, she pursued the proper course of study at Boston State College in order to obtain her teacher certification.

Mrs. O’Brien’s ties to Scituate date back to the early 1920s. Her parents bought the property on Cedar Point that came to be the place where generations of her family, along with their friends and loved ones enjoyed many summers. Eventually, it became her primary residence.

After many years of service in the Nutrition Department at Simmons College, Mrs. O’Brien retired in 1990, only to return to the college part time.

Prior to working for Simmons College, she was a substitute teacher in both the Belmont and Arlington Public School systems.

A most active Alumna of Simmons College, Mrs. O’Brien served in many capacities on boards and committees of Alumnae organizations. At various times, she had been President and Vice President of her class, Reunion Chairman, Chairman of Merchandising, and Nominating Committee. She was the recipient of several awards and certificates of recognition from the college itself, the Nutrition Department, the Boston Simmons Club, and the Simmons Alumnae Association.

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Mrs. O’Brien was a devout Catholic. For decades, she was a daily communicant at the now-suppressed Our Lady of Mercy Church in Belmont or at St. Mary of the Nativity Church in Scituate. She had a deep belief in the intercessory powers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying the rosary daily. She taught CCD at Our Lady of Mercy Church and was the first parishioner to become a Master Teacher, having graduated from the year-long course sponsored by the Archdiocese of Boston’s Office of Religious Education.

Mrs. O’Brien is survived by her children; Marilynn Raben of Framingham, Alan S. O’Brien of Scituate and Medford, and Seana Cahoon of Scituate. She was also the mother of the late Coral E. (Coby) O’Brien.

She is also survived by her sister Helen Frank of Maryland, and her grandchildren: Robert McDonald, Kristina, Courtney and Elena Raben, and Sophie Cahoon. She was predeceased by her sister and brother: Marilynn and William Kenney.

A funeral Mass was celebrated in Sacred Heart Church, Watertown on January 28 by Rev. Robert M. O’Grady with Most Rev. Robert F. Hennessey, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston presiding. Burial was in Belmont Cemetery.

Contributions in Mrs. O’Brien’s memory to the Women’s Lunch Place, 67 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116 would be appreciated.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Stanton Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown. www.stantonfuneralhome.com