January 18, 1942 – July 13, 2026
Mary Margaret O’Brien (née Giers), age 84, passed away peacefully at the Community Hospice Bailey Center after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Born on January 18, 1942, in Boston, Massachusetts, Mary was the beloved daughter of the late William Giers and Margaret Giers (Doherty). She spent many happy years raising her family in Reading, Massachusetts, before moving to St. Augustine, Florida, in 2016 to be closer to her daughter, Erin. Florida quickly became home, and she cherished every opportunity to enjoy the beach, sunsets, local farmers markets, and life by the water.
Mary was the devoted wife of the late David Joseph O’Brien, who passed away on August 8, 1999. Together they built a loving home and family rooted in laughter, hard work, and unwavering support.
A lifelong believer in the value of education, Mary graduated from Cardinal Cushing Central High School in South Boston. While working full-time and raising her family, she earned an Associate Degree in Computer Science from Fisher Junior College and later completed her Bachelor’s Degree at Lesley College—an accomplishment that reflected her determination, intelligence, and perseverance.
Throughout her successful career, Mary held management positions with Camera Stat, Hewlett Packard, Lotus, ZBR, and GlobalWare Solutions. She was respected for her leadership, professionalism, and work ethic, and she formed many lifelong friendships with colleagues along the way.
Above all else, Mary treasured her family and friends. She loved celebrating life’s special moments and was happiest when surrounded by those she loved. She especially enjoyed the holidays—Halloween and Christmas were her favorites—and she was well known for hosting memorable gatherings. Her warmth, generosity, quick wit, and wonderful sense of humor made everyone feel welcome. Friends and family alike will always remember her as a superb hostess whose home was filled with laughter, love, and lasting memories.
Mary is survived by her loving daughters, Erin O’Brien Sloan of St. Augustine, Florida, and April O’Brien of St. Augustine, Florida; her brothers, Bob Giers of North Attleboro, Massachusetts, and Steven Giers of the Philippines; her cousin, Johnny Radziewicz of Melrose, Massachusetts; and numerous cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Joseph O’Brien; her parents, William and Margaret Giers; her siblings, Patricia Robertson, William Giers Jr., Richard Giers, and Kathy Barbaro; her cousin, Marianne Radziewicz; and her niece, Denise Giers.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Wood End Cemetery, under the direction of Douglass, Edgerley & Bessom Funeral Home, 33 Franklin Street, Reading, Massachusetts 01867.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mary’s life immediately following the service at 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Kitty’s Restaurant, 123 Main Street, North Reading, Massachusetts 01867.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Community Hospice’s Bailey Center in honor of Mary’s memory.
