Mary Josephine O'Brien

Mary Josephine O’Brien, 71, of Danville, IL, passed away on January 9, 2026, at Hawthorne Inn in Danville, IL.

Mary was born on June 2, 1954, the daughter of Joseph and Gemma Bowes on the south side of Chicago, IL. She grew up in Chicago and Philadelphia, where she eventually attended nursing school and began her career.

Mary spent more than four decades as a dedicated nurse – including in a busy burn unit, an operating recovery room, and the emergency room in Danville – and served in a number of related leadership roles, including Trauma Coordinator, Nurse Paralegal, and Hospital Risk Manager. She was also an admired preceptor for nursing students and a skilled instructor for CPR, ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) for doctors, nurses, paramedics, respiratory staff and others.

In addition to her work, Mary was an avid cross-stitcher and talented seamstress, and could tell you the lyrics to almost any song she knew. She was also affectionately known for her love of pizza, beer and sarcasm, and – if you were lucky – she would occasionally share her M&Ms with you.

Mary was a loving wife to Vincent “Vince” O’Brien, who she wed in 1991, and was devastated by his passing in 2022. She was immensely proud of her children, Dr. Matt (Miranda) Fabrizio of Atlanta, GA, Carol (Jordan) Fabrizio of Denver, CO, and Pete (Jennifer) O’Brien, Kyle (Jennifer) O’Brien, and Lindsay O’Brien of Danville, IL, who all survive her.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, August, Joelle, Lando, Wrigley, Harper, Stryker, Kent, Asher, and Arlo; her siblings, Tom (Gretchen) Bowes of Chicago, IL, Carol Bowes of Philadelphia, PA, Michael (Joan) Bowes of Philadelphia, PA, Ed (Sue) Bowes of Royersford, PA , and brother-in-law John Bochanski, as well as several beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband Vince, Mary is preceded in death by her siblings James Bowes and Virginia Bochanski.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 PM on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834. Visitation will be held from 3-4:00 PM on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the funeral home.

Memorial may be made in Mary’s memory to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) at www.aspca.org .

Please join Mary’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of her life through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .