Mary Josephine "Jo" (Ring) O'Brien

Age 93 of York, ME and formerly of West Newton, Ma.  Died May 10th, 2025.   Known to all as “Jo”, Mom, Grandma, Grandy and Auntie.   A pillar of strength for her family and community. She greeted everyone with warmth, graciousness, and genuine caring.  Her openness towards others is noted by those who knew her well or had only met her once; she made people comfortable. Her life was devoted to selflessly showering her grace and love on friends and family.  A devout Catholic, daily communicant, she said her rosary daily until the very end.  So very proud to be Irish she loved to listen to Irish radio on Saturdays. She loved sports!  Especially HER Patriots, Red Sox, and Celtics.  She loved to watch golf.  A devoted Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune watcher, and as everyone knows you couldn’t talk to her or call during that time.

Jo was born in Cambridge, Ma February 1st 1932 to Matthew and Catherine (Hayes) Ring.  They moved to Newton where she attended and graduated from St. Bernard’s High School in 1949.  She graduated from Berdette Business School, and Fanny Farmer Cooking School in Boston.  She later married James F O' Brien on September 11th, 1954 in a hurricane and always joked about that! 

Her 41 year career with the City of Newton Police Department as a traffic supervisor and crossing guard, matron of the courts was a singular source of pride for her.  One of her greatest honors was a corner in Newton dedicated to her by the Mayor and Chief of Police. A plaque commemorates this.  The City of Newton declared May 25th as Jo O' Brien Day!  Parents, and children fondly remember her guidance and caring. 

She was pre-deceased by her husband James F.  She was the loving mother of Mary E. ”OBie” Murphy of York, ME, Daniel J (Sabrina) of Grafton, Ma, James F of Worcester MA, John M of North Attleboro, MA, William  T (Sara) of Waltham, MA, and Mona J Marana ( Scot) of Eagle CO.  Proud grandmother of Matthew J(Jaime), Molly C ( Roberto), Megan E (David), Rebecca (Cy), Sean M (Jill), Sienna and Averie.  Great grandmother to Javier, Liliana, Tennyson and Winsley. She was the loving sister of Eileen (Jack) Snedeker of Waltham, and Joseph (Barbara )of Naples Florida, and the late Matthew and William Ring.  She also leaves many adored and loved nieces and nephews.

 Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Sunday June 1st at Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home, York Maine from 2-4.  A funeral Mass will be Celebrated on June 2nd at 11 am at St. Christopher’s Church York, ME.  

Reception to follow in the church hall.  

Donations in her memory may be made to Catholic Charities or St. Christopher’s. Mom you taught us to be creative, generous and caring

Huge thank you to the outstanding caring staff at Durgin Pines ( you know who you are).  And Beacon Hospice

Celebration of life in summer.

“Oh Jesus protect us and guide us and bring us safely home “

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