MARGARET M. O’BRIEN
(née O’MEARA)

Margaret M. “Maggie” O’Brien, 64, passed away on Friday, October 17, 2025 at RWJ of New Brunswick, surrounded by her loving family. Margaret was born in the Bronx, New York and was raised in Lorrha, Co. Tipperary, Ireland, before moving to Nenagh, where she graduated high school and met her loving husband, Michael. She attended Mary Immaculate College, where she earned her teaching degree and formed many lifelong friends. Margaret married her high school sweetheart in 1984, and the two started their family in Borrisokane, while she started her teaching career in Banagher, Co. Offaly. Soon after, in 1986, they welcomed their first daughter, Michelle, before moving to New Jersey in 1987.

Margaret began teaching at Immaculate Conception Church in Somerville, and the couple welcomed their second daughter, Dervela. She later embraced life as a full-time mom and part-time waitress at Jack O’Connor’s, O’Connor’s and eventually, Chimney Rock Inn, where “Maggie” forged incredible bonds with friends who became family. In 1991, Michael and Margaret joyfully welcomed their son, Liam. Margaret’s devotion and love for her family and friends were never-ending. Maggie was an old soul who loved tracing family lineage and her Irish roots. She was fun-loving and enjoyed hosting and bringing together family and friends, which usually led to late night sessions ending in an Irish singalong. She enjoyed cooking, time spent at the beach and traveling. Additionally, she adored what may have been her greatest companion, chocolate lab, Jackson.

She is predeceased by her father, Sean O’Meara & her infant brother Sean.

Margaret leaves behind, to cherish her memory, her loving husband of 41 years, Michael J. O’Brien (knockrenehan Newtown) and children, Michelle O’Brien Chaves and her husband, Edgar; Dervela (O’Brien) Paul and her husband, Brandon; and Liam O’Brien; mother, Margaret “Peg” O’Meara; sisters, Olivia O’Meara, Valerie O’Meara, Marie (O’Meara) Keane her husband, John, and their children, Aoife and Eoin. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, brothers in law and sisters in law Willie, Helen Carroll, Clonoulty Cashel, Seamus, Mary Gleeson, Riverstown Birr, Gerard & Martin and cousins and many loving friends. Perhaps her greatest pride in life was her grandchildren, Declan Chaves, Caleb Chaves and Aidan Paul. Hours after leaving this earth, Margaret took into her angel arms and delivered from heaven her granddaughter, Brienna Dervela Paul.

Visitation will be held from 3-5 PM and 7-9 PM on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at the Bridgewater Funeral Home, 707 E. Main St., Bridgewater, NJ 08807. A funeral Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 AM on Friday, October 24, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Church in Somerville, NJ. Burial will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery, Bridgewater, NJ. All are welcome to a celebration of life following the burial, at the Somerville Elks, 375 Union Avenue, Bridgewater.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Branchburg Rotary Foundation, PO BOX 5135, Branchburg, New Jersey (in memory of Margaret O’Brien) or Jack’s Kids (c/o Somerville Elks, 375 Union Avenue, Bridgewater).

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