Maureen A O'Brien-Modesty

Maureen A. O'Brien-Modesty of Worcester, MA and Laurel, MD passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, June 9, 2015 with her devoted husband and family at her bedside after a brief illness. Maureen was born in Worcester, a daughter of John and Helen (Smith) O'Brien. She graduated from City Hospital School of Nursing; earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Boston College and her Master's degree from Boston University. She began working as a psychiatric nurse for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at Worcester State Hospital but then accepted a position as an Assistant Professor of Nursing for the University of South Carolina and later at the University of Maryland where she taught nursing and furthered her education in doctoral studies. Maureen worked as the director of the Glen Burnie Health Center in Glen Burnie, Maryland for ten years until retiring in 1999. In retirement Maureen served as an advisor for the Commission of Elder Affairs in Worcester and was an active participant in numerous activities at the Worcester Senior Center. Maureen is survived by her devoted husband of the past 38 years, Joseph Modesty; three sisters, Eileen Rock and her husband Richard, Kathleen Steinhart and her husband Paul, and Helen Newstead; two sisters in-law, Rita O'Brien and Sherry O'Brien; four nieces, Colleen Rosales, Alexis Roche, Erin Steinhart and Whitney Bailey; two nephews, John and James O'Brien, all who were very special to her. She leaves many grandnieces and grandnephews, extended family and friends. Two brothers, John and David O'Brien pre-deceased her. Maureen was an extremely generous woman and loved helping others. She enjoyed being with family and friends, especially during the holidays and special occasions. She took pleasure in her summers spent in Ogunquit, Maine. A period of calling hours will be held Saturday, June 13th from 9:00 am to 10:30 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. before proceeding in procession to St. Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton St. where her funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am. Her cousin, Rev. James Carmody will be the principal celebrant. Burial will be private. Memorial remembrances in her memory can be made to the Friends of the Senior Center, 128 Providence St. Worcester, Ma 01604