Obituary of Theresa 'Genevieve' O'Brien, Reserve Mines

We, the family of Theresa "Genevieve" (Farrow) O’Brien, are saddened to announce her passing on May 25th, 2021, at Maple Hill Manor, New Waterford, where she was a resident for the past four weeks. “Aunt Gen”, as she is affectionately called, was born on April 12th, 1931, the second youngest of eleven children to the late William and Elizabeth Farrow, Gardiner Mines. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Genevieve worked as a dedicated and compassionate CNA at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Glace Bay, where she was well regarded for her kindness and strong work ethic. When asked about her career, Aunt Gen would say, “I worked forty years and four months and loved every minute of it!” Aunt Gen often spoke of many long-time friends among her colleagues. Genevieve was born and raised in Gardiner Mines. She lived for over fifty years in River Ryan and for the past five years in Reserve Mines. Over the years, Gen enjoyed many activities including skating, quilting, gardening, knitting, painting and playing piano. Aunt Gen also travelled with friends and family to New York, Bahamas, Florida, Hawaii and Ireland (returning the day after 9/11 in 2001), as well as numerous trips to Boston and Ontario. In addition to her extensive travels one of Gen's favourite places to spend time was Ingonish. Gen enjoyed playing cards for many years at the Gardiner Mines Seniors' and Pensioners’ Club with her sister-in-law and close friend, the late Mildred Farrow. Gen had been a member of Aging Gracefully in New Waterford where she enjoyed the company of friends. Genevieve was a person of strong faith and was a long-time choir member of St. James’ Parish, Gardiner Mines, and St. Michael’s Parish, River Ryan and most recently was a member of St. Joseph's Parish, Reserve Mines. Aunt Gen was a caregiver by nature and was close to her siblings and their families. She was kind, compassionate and helpful to others in need. Besides her parents, Gen is predeceased by her first husband, Patrick 'Paddy' Hawley, 1969, her second husband, Michael 'Mickie' O’Brien, 2018 and siblings; Marg, Lib, John, Van, Molly, Greg, Frank, Naish, Willie and Cecil and special brother-in-law, Bernie Hawley for whom she cared for many years. Genevieve will be especially missed by her niece and best friend of over eighty years, Lorraine (late Gerald) Lewis and special niece, Marjorie (Aubrey) Doyle, both of whom were dedicated to her well-being. She will also be missed by her many nieces and nephews who felt a close connection to their Aunt Gen. Gen is also survived by stepsons, Tony (Mary) O’Brien, Shannon (Diane) O’Brien and their children and grandchildren as well as sister-in-law, Gina Farrow. The family extends a sincere thank you to Dr. Emmanuel Ajuwon for his compassion towards Gen; the caring nurses and staff of the second floor of New Waterford Consolidated Hospital; the kind workers of Cape Breton County Homemakers Association; and the dedicated staff of Maple Hill Manor, New Waterford. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and guidance of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, Chapel and Reception Centre, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A Funeral Mass of celebration for Genevieve will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 2 p.m. in St. Joseph Church, Reserve Mines with Father Danny Boudreau officiating. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery, Gardiner Mines. Limited seating in the church with Covid-19 protocols in place. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, New Waterford. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. Donations in her memory may be made to St. James Cemetery fund or a charity of one’s choice. 'The sweetest music is in kind words'.