Kate O’Brien

MESA, AZ - Kathleen (Kate) O’Brien, 73, formerly of Wilmington, VT, died on Friday, January 7, with family members at her side.
Kate was born on May 19, 1948, and was the first of 11 children to George and Helen (Bennett) O’Brien. She grew up in Shelburne, VT, and was proud to be the eldest of 50 grandchildren to Frank and Alice Powers O’Brien. She graduated from Rice Memorial High School and Trinity College.
Her teaching career took her to Lake Placid, NY; Wilmington, VT; and finally BFA-Fairfax in Fairfax, VT. Upon retirement she settled in Arizona, where she enjoyed spending time with dear friends and her Jahntz-O’Brien cousins. Kate never missed honoring her Irish roots and cooked a wicked corned beef and cabbage. She had many passions but her biggest was her love for her grandchildren. Kate was also a devoted special-education teacher, chef, reader, quilt and pillowcase maker, and adventurer.
She is survived by her son Stephen Dassatti, his wife Jennifer, and her beloved grandchildren Helaina and Gabriel. She is also survived by her siblings Kary (Jeff), Tom, Susan, Michael, Maureen, Dennis, Rebecca (Bill), and Sharon. She was preceded in death by siblings Eileen and Kevin, and in-laws Frank, Bob, and Jim. She will be missed and remembered by a large extended family, including many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Per Kate’s wishes, there will be no service Those who wish can make donations to any organization that reminds them of Kate.