Rose O’Brien

Groton — Rose (D’Elia) O’Brien, 97, of Groton, passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London after a short illness.

She was born on Sept. 21, 1919, in New London, a daughter of the late Nunzio and Teresa (Avena) D’Elia. Rose graduated from WMI High School in New London in 1936 and attended nursing school in Pennsylvania.

Rose was married on June 2, 1941, in New London, to the late Edward Charles O’Brien. Ed passed away on June 6, 2006, shortly after celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary.

Her survivors include four daughters, Linda Klausner (Mark) of Hampton, N.H., Maureen Byiteck of Milford, Terri Weston (Jeff) of Ridgefield and Jackie Plourde of Ellington; six grandchildren, three great-granddaughters; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband and parents, Rose had also been predeceased by two granddaughters, Stacey (Byiteck) Assunto and Marci Byiteck; her son-in-law, Robert Plourde; as well as her five siblings, Dr. Authur D’Elia, Millie Kohanski, Albert D’Elia, Dr. Pierino D’Elia and Yolanda D’Elia.

Mrs. O’Brien was a longtime member of the Sacred Heart Church in Groton. Rose was an avid volunteer in Groton organizing countless blood drives for the Red Cross over the years. Rose enjoyed sewing, reading as part of a book group until recently, and her favorite pastime was spending time at Eastern Point Beach with her family and many friends.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 22, at the Sacred Heart Church, 56 Sacred Heart Drive, Groton. There will be a visiting hour from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St., Groton, prior to the Mass. Her burial will be privately held in the St. Mary Cemetery in New London.

In lieu of flowers, her family has requested donations be directed to a scholarship fund I/N/O Rose D’Elia O’Brien at WMI/The Williams School, 182 Mohegan Ave., New London, CT 06320. Attn: Bill Ferguson.

Please visit www.byles. com for directions, to sign her guest book or to share a memory with her family.