In loving memory of Barbara A. McLernon O’Brien, CT - 90 years of age. She passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, in the early hours of the morning after a period of brief illness. Barbara will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, tenderness, and the deep friendship she offered too so many.

She loved art and found beauty in the world around her, carrying that creativity into both her personal life and her work. She graduated from Dunbarton College in 1958. As an interior designer and business owner, she built a gratifying career with her showroom, Interiors by Barbara O’Brien. She had a gift for creating inviting spaces that reflected her talent and the unique connection and bond she easily formed with others.

One of the greatest measures of her strength was the way she transformed her own life through sobriety and her faith. She found strength and renewal in her connection to St. Anthony. Through this journey, her courage stood as a quiet, powerful example to others. Her life was marked not only by what she achieved, but by the resilience, grace, and honesty with which she lived. On July 4th, 2026 – Barbara would reach 50 years of sobriety.

Barbara was a great friend to many - loyal, thoughtful, and giving in ways both large and small. She will be deeply missed by her family, her friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her brother Larry McLernon, sister Maryellen Waggoner, and many wonderful nieces, nephews along with great nieces and nephews and their children, stepson; Timothy O’Brien and step grandchildren; Jerrod and Jessica. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Charles “Bud” O’Brien, stepson; David O’Brien, her brother, Michael McLernon, her sister, Jean McLernon and her mother and father. While Barbara had no biological children of her own, she holds a special place in the hearts of her great niece Faith Olson, and great nephew Marshall Babington as she provided the lovingness, guidance and support of a mother to them both from birth.

A memorial service and celebration of life is pending as the family continues to prepare for this day with more details to follow.

Her memory will live on in the beauty she created the lives she touched, and the love and strength she shared so freely.