Mary Marceline O'Brien

The world lost a true original when Mary Marceline O’Brien (Marcie), 94, passed peacefully on November 26—presumably after realizing even she couldn’t outlast the yogurt in her fridge. A woman of immeasurable kindness and questionable pantry products, she was known for many things: her love of cards and games, her devotion to Bushmills Irish whiskey, and her uncanny ability to keep food so expired it qualified as historical artifact. While others threw out items past their “best by” date, she considered that merely a suggestion—a challenge, even. She once chugged a two-year expired bottle of Frappuccino, turning several shades of green but refusing to get sick just to prove a point. Her refrigerator was less an appliance and more a science experiment conducted over multiple decades. Even so, she cooked hearty, healthy meals for her husband and five sons for many years, starting a kitchen fire only once. For decades she camped with her family in Canada at Point Farms and Adolphustown (Site 12), loading seven people, a Husky, and food and camp gear into a station wagon for a six-hour drive after which her husband Bill took away her cooking tongs. There she was a master of conflict resolution, often breaking up fights between her sons using only a wooden spoon and a stare that could curdle milk (that she would then undoubtedly drink). She was a fierce competitor at Euchre, capable of smiling sweetly while simultaneously trouncing opponents half her age. Her game-night victories were often celebrated with a wink and a triumphant sip of whiskey. But above all, Marcie loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-greatgrandchildren—loudly, proudly, and with an endless supply of hugs, encouragement, and snacks. They were her joy and her legacy. To them she was known as Mimi, and all were welcome in her warm, cozy home, her motto being, “There’s always room for one more!” Marcie was born in Detroit on January 27, 1931, and graduated from Notre Dame Catholic school in 1949 where her lifelong love of reading began. A jazz and classical music enthusiast, she attended many DSO performances and shows at Steinway Hall. Not one to shy away from a challenge, Marcie was particularly proud of landing a full-time position as a clerk and union steward at the 35th District Court in Plymouth after raising five sons. When she retired she took up pottery and made many beautiful and some unrecognizable gifts. She also kayaked for the first time when she was 87 years old. Marcie loved to travel with her family to Goderich, Manistee, and Northport. Marcie is survived by her sons Sean (Brenda), Tom (Sandy), Tim (Chris), Pat (Dorene), and Bill (Aimee), ten grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Marcie is predeceased by her husband of 44 years, Bill O’Brien, her parents, Bella and Arthur Taylor, and her sister Carmen McDonald. In her honor, raise a glass of Bushmills, play a hand of cards, and throw away something expired—she’d want you to live dangerously, but maybe not that dangerously. May her beautiful, funny, fiercely loving spirit rest in peace. Family and friends are invited to a mass at Holy Family Church in Novi on Wednesday, December 3, at 10:00 to be followed by a celebration of Marcie’s life at Moe’s on 10 in Novi. Holy Family is located at 24505 Meadowbrook Road, Novi, MI. Moe’s Tavern is located at 39455 W 10 Mile Road, Novi, MI.

Mary Marceline O'Brien

January 27, 1931 - November 26, 2025