Mary Willadeen O'Brien

Mary Willadeen O’Brien, 99, of Hanover, PA, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at The Village at Utz Terrace. Born February 17, 1927, in Baltimore, MD, she was the daughter of the late Charles Fritts, Sr. and the late Ida Fritts Cooper.

Mary was a 1945 graduate of Franklin High School and a member of Living Hope Baptist Church in Reisterstown. She held a number of interesting jobs, most notably as a library assistant at the University of Maryland Health Sciences Library and as an administrative professional in the Baltimore City school system. Affectionately known as “Peaty,” she is remembered for her generosity, having cared for many family members over the years. Her life was rich and fulfilling; she enjoyed reading, gardening, family trips to the beach, card games, “dippy” eggs, and vanilla ice cream. In her retirement, Mary and her husband were members of the Tiffin Allegro Club. They loved traveling all over the USA in their motorhome, making many wonderful friends and memories along the way.

Mary cherished every moment spent with her family and friends. She loved her Lord and longed for her eternal home, often quoting John 14:3. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Sharon Rozelle of Hanover, PA and Cindy Bryson of Westminster, MD; her beloved grandchildren, Kimberly Letnaunchyn (Christopher), Christine Brown (Matthew), Jennifer Gray, and Gregory Bryson; and seven great-grandchildren, Benjamin Brown (Sarah), Rachel Brown, Jacob Letnaunchyn, Michael Brown, Nathan Letnaunchyn, Evelyn Gray, and Bennett Walker. 

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Robert O’Brien; her four sisters, Iris Spicknall, Ruth Fritts, Eleanor Alban, and Frances Fritts; and her dear brother, Charles Fritts, Jr.

A private Celebration of Life will be held to honor Mary’s life and legacy. Interment will take place at Lake View Memorial Park in Sykesville, MD.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC, 28607 (samaritanspurse.org).

Online condolences may be made at www.burrier-queen.com.