Ellen (McPhee) O'Brien

HAVERHILL - Ellen (McPhee) O’Brien, 84, passed away at her home on December 21, 2022. Ellen was born on June 20, 1938 to the late Robert J. and Mary P. (Keough) McPhee and raised in East Boston, Massachusetts. 

Ellen married George O’Brien in 1957 and had three beautiful children, Michael, Mark and Ellen Marie.

After the tragic loss of George and Michael in 1968 Ellen carried on as a single mother with courageous resilience and provided effortless devotion to Mark and Ellen Marie. Her ability to overcome this devastating circumstance gave insight into her ability to never accept defeat and always illuminate strength.

Ellen’s smile and sense of humor was infectious, her style was independently her own and she was most known for her fiery red hair. Her confidence was admirable, making it easy for her to captivate any room she entered. She provided unconditional love to all that surrounded her. 

Ellen spent the last sixteen years of her life in Haverhill, Massachusetts with her daughter, son in law Donny, four grandchildren, and one great grandson. She was a staple to the lives of her four grandchildren and quickly became “Nana” to their friends and those who knew Ellen Marie and Donny. 

She is predeceased by her husband, children Michael and Ellen Marie, and brother James McPhee. She is survived by three sisters, Patricia, Roberta, and Mary; son in-law, Donny Campbell, son Mark O’Brien and his wife, Mara, of Winthrop; seven grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends are invited to visiting hours on Sunday, January 22, 2023, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 S. Main Street, Haverhill from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Sarah’s Place, 180 Water Street, Haverhill, MA 01830. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com 

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