Irene O'Brien

Irene O'Brien September 3, 1919 - February 6, 2011

Irene D. O''Brien, age 91, of Hastings and formerly of Faribault, passed away on Sunday, February 6, 2011 at the Regina Assisted Living in Hastings, Minnesota. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church (139 Mercy Drive) in Faribault. Interment will be held at the Calvary Cemetery in Faribault. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday morning from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Bethlehem Academy or Divine Mercy Catholic Church in memory of Irene. Irene Doral Swinton, the daughter of Harry and Nellie (Wright) Swinton, was born on September 3, 1919 in Bremer County, Iowa. She graduated from Nashua High School with the class of 1938. Upon graduating from high school, Irene continued her education at St. Lucas Nursing School in Faribault. On March 14, 1942, Irene was united in marriage to Edward D. O''Brien at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Faribault. He preceded her in death on January 10, 1998. Irene was a Registered Nurse and Nurse Practioner at St. Lucas Hospital and District One Hospital for fifteen years and also at Faribault State Schools for an additional twenty years. She was a member of the American Nurses Association, Disabled Veterans Auxiliary, American Legion Post 43 Auxiliary, and Knights of Columbus Council 889 Auxiliary. She and Ed often provided transportation for many people ranging from medical appointments to countryside drives. They traveled to many places in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Spain. Irene loved gardening, music, crocheting and embroidery. She is survived by her children Patricia (Philip) Chenier of Hastings, MN and Edward F. O''Brien of Eau Claire, WI; seven grandchildren, Robert Chenier, Caroline Easton, Ann (Jonathan) Kopecky, Donna (Mike) Matuszewski, Peter (Lindsey) O''Brien, Jana (Jon) Weldon, and Kory (Kim) Woodbury; 22 great grandchildren; sister, Merle (Richard) Bennett of Nashua, IA; brother, Charles (Rita) Swinton of Nashua, IA; and by other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward; parents; daughter, Susanne Beatty; son, Robert Edward O''Brien; four brothers, Arthur, Clyde, Robert and Fred Swinton; and two sisters, Hattie Dietz and Mary Dietz.