Elaine O'Brien

MADISON/MIDDLETON-Elaine M. (Engelke) O’Brien, age 85, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. She was born on May 23, 1929 in Cambridge, the daughter of the late Fred and Linda Engelke. Elaine married her high school sweetheart, Gerald “Jerry” O’Brien on July 2, 1949 in Madison. He passed from this world on May 4, 1987. Elaine worked at Jerry’s Food Shop, the family grocery store, at 2121 North Sherman Avenue. While raising seven children, she continued working at various secretarial and bookkeeping positions throughout Madison, including the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, Frank’s Liquor Store, and Over 55. Elaine enjoyed bowling, crosswords and having her home filled with her children and grandchildren every Sunday. She could always be counted on to join a game of euchre and her ability to nearly always win made her everyone’s favorite partner. Elaine is survived by her children, Greg O’Brien, Nancy O’Brien, Dan (Donna) O’Brien, Tom (Sue) O’Brien, Pam O’Brien, Alan (Andrea) O’Brien and Maribeth (Jim) Sanford. She has 16 grandchildren, Katie (Jon) Kaull, Tammy Ring, Chris (Jennifer) Pilsner, Anthony (Samantha) Pilsner, Brian Pilsner, Tyler O’Brien, Theran O’Brien, Courtney O’Brien, Riley (Mindy) O’Brien, Kevin (Katie) O’Brien, Brady (Jessica) O’Brien, Tanya (Juan “Mono”) Gutierrez, Jamie (Allison) LaCourt, Josh (Ivana) O’Brien, Matt (fiancée Chelsey Eley) O’Brien, and Amber (Peter) Mironchenko along with 17 great-grandchildren and two more on the way. She is the matriarch of a family that was born and raised in the Madison area and in most cases still remains. She is also survived by her nephew David (Zeena) Engelke, niece Patty (Lou) Gabel, brother-in-law Jack, sisters-in-law Ginny, Marian, Margaret and Nancy, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Elaine was preceded in death by daughter-in-law, Judy, brother and sister-in-law, Fred Jr. and Muriel, parents-in-law, Darby and Dorothy, and brothers-in-law, Marv, Dick and Bob. A gathering to celebrate her life will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave, Middleton from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, September 22, 2014. There will be a private burial for the family. The family wishes to thank the staff at Meriter Hospital and the many people at Agrace HospiceCare who provided gentle care and compassionate understanding to not only Elaine but also to the family supporting her last days in this world. Mom has rejoined the love of her life, her struggle is over. All our love to you. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608)831-6761