Arlene M. Curran O’Brien

December 29, 1927 - September 11, 2021

Arlene M. Curran

O’Brien, age 93, died peacefully in her home on Saturday, September 11, 2021. Arlene lived a life devoted to her family and religion. Raised on Winchester Avenue in New Haven, she enjoyed walking to church and spending summers at Chatfield Hollow State Park with her parents, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She never shied from an adventure; one time taking a tricycle from New Haven to Hamden with her young sister to surprise their aunt (times have changed). After graduating from Commercial High School in 1945, Arlene began her career in administrative services. She served as an administrative assistant to faculty members at Yale University, the New Haven School’s Superintendent, the New Haven Free Public Library, the Southern New England Telephone Company, and the Connecticut Mental Health Center. She married her husband after WWII. While raising three sons, she always found time to read and pray. Arlene enjoyed her life in Foxon, but always had fun while exploring a new destination. After years of dreaming, she finally saw the Vatican and heard the Pope deliver Mass with her best friend. She also spent several decades as a member of the Dominican Laity of Saint Mary’s Parish in New Haven. Arlene’s husband, Nicholas O’Brien Jr. (NHPD RETD.), died in 1997. Her father, Daniel Curran, passed in 1958.

Her mother, Marion (Foley) Curran, passed in 1998. A strong and supportive sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Arlene leaves behind her sister, Joan Canary of North Branford, CT and three sons: Nicholas (Helen) O’Brien of Reading, VT, Daniel (Maureen) O’Brien of East Haven, CT and John (Margaret) O’Brien of Killingworth, CT. Arlene’s grandchildren will fondly remember the moments they shared with their “Nina,” Catharine (Charley) Betzig, Lindsay (Yanik) Bababekov, Courtney (Matt Kehl) O’Brien, Kelsey O’Brien, Michael (Sheila) O’Brien, Patrick ( Jon) O’Brien-Sevilla, Danny ( Julia) O’Brien, Jack O’Brien, and Nicholas O’Brien. Arlene loved seeing her three great-grandchildren on Instagram, always impressed by their lack of fear on the ski slopes: Teddy, Isabelle, and Noa. Those who knew Arlene will most remember her quick wit, honesty, reliability, and reflective nature. She never wanted to intrude, but she always answered the phone – you could depend on Arlene in moments of crisis or calm. Her family especially thanks Ann Gordon for her care during the last weeks of Arlene’s life.

Friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial THURSDAY MORNING at 11:00 in the St. Ambrose Parish at St. Augustine Church, 30 Caputo Rd., North Branford. Burial will be private. There will be NO CALLING HOURS. Please consider a donation in her name to the Monastery of Our Lady of Grace, 11 Race Hill Road, North Guilford, CT. Arrangements are in care of the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte 80), East Haven. Sign Arlene’s guest book online at www.portofuneralhome.net