Obituary of Marianne E. O'Brien

Surrounded by her loving family, Marianne Elizabeth (Bridgett) O’Brien passed away on January 25, 2025 following a brief battle with cancer.

Born and raised in New Britain, Marianne was the daughter of the late Edward and Lois (Apelgren) Bridgett. As a young girl, she spent her summers at Knollwood Beach in Old Saybrook, where she enjoyed carefree days riding her bike, sunbathing, swimming and writing articles for the “Knollwood Scoop”. She recalled her childhood as one filled with beautiful memories and lasting friendships.

Marianne was a graduate of Mary Immaculate Academy in New Britain and the University of Saint Joseph, where she earned a degree in English and Political Science.

Marianne built a life in West Hartford, where she raised her boys, Sean and Quinn. She enjoyed a long career in the insurance industry – the highlight of which was forming deep friendships with many of her co-workers.

Marianne’s happiest moments were those she shared with the love of her life Bill Mitchell. Together, they enjoyed life’s simple pleasures: trips to the theatre, traveling to historical sites, dining out and spending nights-in watching classic movies.

A devout Catholic, Marianne was a member of Annunciation Parish (St. Mary’s) in Newington where she and Bill enjoyed volunteering at the church’s Food Bank and donating their time and resources to helping those less fortunate. Marianne was most recently employed at the St. Thomas and St. Timothy Parish in West Hartford – a job she considered more pleasure than work.

Marianne had a charismatic personality and warm smile. Her quick wit and humor never failed to fill a room with genuine laughter and she had the incredible ability to instantly connect with anyone she met. Marianne found joy in decorating for the holidays, hosting friends in the backyard of the beach house, engaging in lively conversation about politics (as long as you agreed with her, of course), and gathering around the dining room table for “Sunday Pizza” with loved ones.

She will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to love her. In addition to Bill, Marianne leaves her son, Sean O’Brien, his wife, Lauren and their children, Evan and Maia of Wake Forest, North Carolina, her son Quinn O’Brien, his wife, Katie and their children, Nora and Rory of Wethersfield and her brothers, Patrick Bridgett of New Britain and Daniel Bridgett of Laconia, NH. In addition to her family, she leaves behind her cherished lifelong friends, Cindy Lavoie and Mary-Ellen Sutton.

Marianne will be remembered for her example of strength, sacrifice, humor and unconditional love. 

Friends and family are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, January 31^st, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 872 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT to honor Marianne’s life. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, 1141 Stanley St. New Britain.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Thomas & St. Timothy Parish, 872 Farmington Ave, West Hartford CT 06119, or to the Animal Alliance Welfare League of New Britain, P.O Box 1775, New Britain, CT.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon Marianne.