Sharolyn Raye O'Brien Obituary (1947

OGDENSBURG- Sharolyn Raye O'Brien, 77, of Ogdensburg died on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family, following a long illness. In keeping with her wishes, funeral services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of Frary Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Ogdensburg. Sharolyn Raye (Austill) O'Brien was born on September 28, 1947, in Ottawa, Illinois. She was the daughter of the late Ora H. and Alberta (Patmore) Austill and was the last surviving of ten children. She is survived by her husband Thomas O'Brien, Sr. They were married for 59 years and raised 7 children together. Sharolyn's life was rich with love and family. She was a woman of deep faith, an avid reader, a gifted seamstress, enjoyed outdoor activities, gardening, and the ocean. She had a natural talent for playing the piano by ear. Sharolyn's greatest accomplishments were to be found in her roles as a mother, wife, grandmother and true friend to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She gave birth to 7 children, spanning from her first in 1968 to the youngest in 1982. She instilled a sense of simplicity, resourcefulness, and resolve, encouraging all with "you can do anything you put your mind to", while utilizing limited resources and maintaining a playful spirit and terrific sense of humor. There was always wonder and curiosity for her children when piling off the bus after a school day - to find her in a tree building a tree fort (and not just any fort - one with handmade curtains, carpet, screened windows), creating a homemade ice rink, or 20' up on a ladder repairing the barn, or her side business reupholstering furniture - often with dinner in the oven and always with her hair and makeup done. She was especially pleased to be able to do a better backflip than any of her kids, into her late 50's. Nothing delighted Sharolyn more than having all her children together and birthdays were exceptional. She was a pro at planning surprise parties and always succeeded. A special birthday treat (that made the other siblings furious) was to get to be the "boss" of everyone for the day, regardless of age ranking. She loved to take her family on fishing and camping trips to her special places on the St. Lawrence and Oswegatchie River. The annual Austill Reunion in Illinois was a highlight for the whole family, and her most cherished. She truly was one of a kind - nurturing, creative, adventurous, and authentic (financial status or labels did not impress). There were many times she returned to the workforce full-time to contribute financially, doing so with dedication and grace. Her list of capabilities, achievements, and sacrifices for her children in the face of adversity were endless. After the children were grown and in their golden years, she and her husband enjoyed many winter seasons in Florida. Despite her constant battles with pain and illness in her later years, she continued to be a strong advocate and source of strength, love, and protection to those she loved. She adored and admired each of her children uniquely and was the best listener, giving constant support and a lending ear without hesitation. She maintained her playful spirit and sense of humor in the most difficult of times. Sharolyn's husband Tom (age 85) never left her side, providing around the clock care with compassion and undying love and commitment. "With great love, there is great loss" and she will be missed dearly. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Thomas O'Brien Sr., her children: Thomas O'Brien Jr. and his wife Alanna of St. Augustine, FL, Tammy Lynn O'Brien and her partner Patrick Cavanaugh of Heuvelton, Teresa Cameron and her husband Shawn of Lisbon, Shawn Patrick O'Brien and his wife Bethany of Oswego, Lisa O'Brien of Morristown, James O'Brien and his partner Alyssa Lowry of Ogdensburg and Krystal O'Brien and her partner Mike Holts of Watertown. Her grandchildren: Thomas J. O'Brien III, James Cobb, Cristo Silva, Jonathon O'Brien, Hannah O'Brien, Benjamin Gilbert, Thomas Gilbert, Khaner Cameron, Mary Montroy, Travis O'Brien, Hunter Lalonde, Kinley Lalonde, Joshua O'Brien, Nicholas Webb, Makaila Galvan, Alyssa Galvan and Aiden O'Brien survive her along with her great-grandchildren; Thomas J. O'Brien IV, Jaik O'Brien, Margaret (Mimi) O'Brien, Dahlia O'Brien, Ah'mir Muwwakkil, Emma Guard, Ryland Skoog, and Isla Cobb. She was predeceased by her siblings; Vonda Austill, Karen (Fred) Tomasello, Lonnie (Loretta) Austill, Dean Austill, Jerry D. Austill, Donna Sue (Tom) McDonald, Leora Joan Whitson-Krog, Kaye (Harry) Clifford, and Deanna (Jerry) Shaw. Online condolences may be made at www.FraryFuneralHome.com.