Tricia Mary O’Brien was born on March 6, 1964, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Clayton, Missouri. On August 30, Tricia passed from this life at her home under the loving care of her sister, Tamra, and was fortified with the Sacraments of the Holy Mother Church.
Tricia is preceded in death by her loving parents, Patrick Joseph and Eleanore Marie (Sullivan) O’Brien, with whom her remains shall rest at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Arnold, MO.
Tricia is survived by a large and loving Irish family—three sisters, three brothers, ten nieces and nephews, and eight grand nieces and grandnephews, all of whom hold Tricia close in their hearts, minds, and memories.
Tricia grew up at the Spring Forest Park and Pool in Imperial, Missouri, a ”Mom & Pop” business in the 1960s where schools and businesses would host their group picnics for swimming and carnival rides, cotton candy, and putt-putt golf. Her growing years “at the park” included watching cars honking their horns and parading down Spring Forest hill to kick off their festival. In the spring, Easter Egg hunts were held in the large fields, drawing people from all over the county to hunt for the golden egg. When the park closed in the fall, the seven kids and their friends had the run of the park to themselves to play expansive games of “Capture the Flag”, “Ghost in the Graveyard” and “Track Em ( in the snow)”. The families and neighbors who were part of Spring Forest formed the fiber of Tricia’s childhood, giving her a lifetime of strength.
Tricia attended grade school and high school across the St. Louis and Jefferson County spectrum; her parents made the long commute from Imperial to Frontenac in the 60s and 70s before the major highways went through to attend the Sacred Heart school of Villa Duchesne Oak Hill. In the late 70s, Tricia attended Immaculate Conception grade school in Arnold, and she graduated high school at St. Pius X in Festus, MO, with the class of 1982. Tricia’s world was blessed by so many friends who became family during these years and who supported Tricia throughout her life.
Tricia’s college years at the University of Missouri-Columbia opened a new chapter of experience and core friends that she would later say were some of the best years of her life. Tricia graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) from MIZZOU in 1986. Tricia was further recognized by the Maryville College’s MBA program (2007-2009) at their graduate ceremonies with membership in the Delta Mu Delta Honor Society.
Tricia’s professional and life long career was with Edward Jones in St. Louis, Mo. where she participated as a limited partner. Tricia contributed as a valued employee there with over 35 years of service.
Final words about Tricia would be remiss without mentioning the impact she had on other people:
In the words of Tricia’s niece, Tricia “was amazing; she was the most encouraging, inspirational person, she was a mother who wasn’t a mother but got the chance to play that part again and again supporting her nieces and nephews, helping them with her love and care. She took my brother in and raised him to be the best he could be. She was an inspiration to me. I wish I could have had more time with her. I love you so much, Aunt Tricia.”
In the words of those who worked with Tricia doing good deeds with the St. Louis Junior League and the Court Appointed Special Advocates group, Tricia has a heart of gold and an endless capacity for caring for those less fortunate or without a voice to defend themselves. Tricia served on the executive board of the Junior League was integral to program development helping the community.
In the words of so many people who watched her stretch a horrible “few months to live metastatic breast cancer” diagnosis at 45 to over 15 years to age 60 – she was a warrior. Tricia fought every day to live so that she could be with the family and friends who meant so much to her.
In the words of all the family and friends who made up Tricia’s world, we miss you, but we know that you are in heaven now and will always be in our hearts.
SERVICES: Visitation is September 11 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Kutis Funeral Home on 10151 Gravois Road. Mass will be held to honor Tricia at 9:00 AM on September 12 at St. Francis Xavier Saint Louis University College Church, 3628 Lindell Blvd. The burial following mass is at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Arnold, 2300 Church Road.
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS:
Memorial contributions may be made to:
“Theresa’s Research Foundation”. This foundation was established by Theresa Newby Harpole and her son, Josh Newby in support of R&D funding for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Funding will go directly to Washington University where Tricia’s oncology team continues to research and develop MBC drugs.
The links for donations can be made here:
https://www.theresasresearch.org
https://www.mightycause.com/story/10fund (https://www.mightycause.com/story/10fund)
Donations can also be mailed to: PO Box 638 Godfrey, IL 62035