Claudia May (Rogers) O’Brien, of Plymouth, passed peacefully on Aug. 18, surrounded by her loving husband Richard and four children, following a courageous five-year battle with cancer.
Born on Dec. 12, 1945, and raised in Somerville, she was the daughter of the late Claude A. and Kathryn (Healy) Rogers. Claudia was a graduate of Matignon High school and Boston State College.
Claudia started her career as a teacher, later stayed home to raise her children, and then worked at the Department of Revenue, where she was a trainer for over 25 years.
She was married to Richard O’Brien Sr for 55 years and had four children: Richard (Ursula) of Simi Valley, CA, Claudia Jeanne and Chris McCarthy of Norwood, Thomas (Callie) of Plymouth, and Kate and John Loring of Wilmington. She had four sisters: Kathryn Rogers, Phyllis and the late Gordon Turgis, Elizabeth and her husband Paul Davis, and Susan and her husband David McCleery.
She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Natalie, Ainsleigh, Richie, Caitlin, Maddie, Mara, Jack, and Charlie.
Claudia was an avid reader. She often had a book in her hand and a smile on her face. You could find her browsing the shelves in the library or perusing the aisles with her daughters or sisters in TJ Maxx. She loved to find little things to make others happy, cherishing every moment with those around her. She was thoughtful, patient, and incredibly strong.
Traveling to Naples, FL each winter was a particular joy for Claudia. She liked inviting friends and family to come stay, days by the pool, enjoying new restaurants, and watching the sunset from the beach. Strolling 5th Avenue with her family was the absolute best.
Claudia relished lunches with so many groups of friends, like her fellow retirees from the Department of Revenue and her many friends from church.
She was inseparable from her best friend – her husband Richard. The pair enjoyed countless laughs and a lifetime of memories together. Watching the waves at Plymouth Beach, chicken parmesan at Mamma Mia’s, and nurturing the love they shared for over six decades.
The title that Claudia cherished most of all was Nana. Her grandkids were so special to her, she would drop anything to be with them. Surrounded by her family was what made her happiest.
Her sage wisdom, advice, infectious laugh, and perpetual smile are already missed by so many.
A wake will take place on Sunday, Aug. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m., at Cartmell-Davis Funeral Home, 373 Court St., Plymouth. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Claudia’s memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.