Margaret Mary (known by all as Marc) O’Brien, 96, died on Oct. 3, 2026 in Oak Park. Born on Feb. 20, 1930 in Berwyn, Marc was a member of Ascension Parish and Extending the Word in Oak Park, Wells Spirituality Center in LaGrange Park, Eco-Spirituality Group, Delta Kappa Gamma, Christian Family Movement, Chicago Call to Action, and the Foundation for International Cooperation. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from St. Xavier College, her Master of Arts from Northern Illinois University, and Certificate of Advanced Studies from National Lewis University. A retired Chicago Public School Teacher, she loved to travel around the world, was an avid reader and member of multiple book clubs, and an artist of beautiful calligraphy, quilting and especially watercolor painting. Every year she spent months at her O’Brien Jubilee Farm, in rural Argyle, Wisconsin enjoying the beauty and entertaining friends.
Marc was the wife of Donald O’Brien for 73 years to the day of her death; daughter of the late Theodore and Margaret (Biggy) Holden; sister of the late Ellen Clark, Theodore Holden Jr., Patricia LeBeau, Sr. Alice Holden CCVI, Sr. Joan Holden CCVI, and John Holden; and is survived by her brother, Thomas (Carol) Holden. She was the mother of David (Joanne), Teresa, Kathryn, Michael (Cecilia), and Thomas (Nancy); the grandmother of Brendan O’Brien-Keith, Jerrilyn (Jay) Berger, Daniel (Angie) O’Brien, Timothy (Alyssa) O’Brien, Brian (Nikki) Cota, Natalie (Brian) Bettin, Petra (Juan Trevino) O’Brien, Natasha O’Brien, David O’Brien, and Karly O’Brien; the great-grandmother of Edison, Delaney, and Finneas Berger, Audrey Bettin, and Alayna O’Brien, as well as two great-grandsons on their way; aunt of many nieces, nephews and cousins, and a friend to countless people wherever she went.
In lieu of flowers, consider donations to Beyond Hunger of Oak Park or Housing Forward of Oak Park.
A Celebration of Life will take place at Ascension Catholic Church, 808 S. East Ave., Oak Park, on Saturday, Nov. 7, with visitation at 9 a.m., followed by Mass at 10.