May 22, 1992 – June 3, 2021
Grafton/Hartford, Conn. – Jaclyn O’Brien has found peace after a two-year battle with heart disease and a long struggle with addiction.
Jackie leaves behind her gift to her family, her daughter, Molly; her parents, Joe and Janet (Fairchild) O’Brien, who loved and cared for her till the end; her brother, Joe and his wife Mara of Shrewsbury; her brother, James and his fiancé Allison of Grafton; and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. Jackie was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Richard and Christine (Nolan) Fairchild; her paternal grandparents, Joseph and Estelle (Croteau) O’Brien; her uncle, Stephen Fairchild; and aunt, Christine Fairchild Nelson.
Jackie attended Grafton schools. She was artistic and had a photographic memory. She loved animals, especially strays, which she brought home for her family to raise, She loved watching every reality TV show there is, knowing everybody’s name and storyline. She loved her time with her family and was blessed with the Irish charm.
She was an independent soul by choice and survived conditions and circumstances that most could not. For those that had the pleasure of knowing Jackie they can attest that she was a spitfire with a great sense of humor. Her life led her on many adventures which she took her family along for the ride. She met many great people along the way who took her under their wings however their grip was never strong enough.
When Jackie was informed that her health condition would end her life, she accepted it with a bravery and grace that surprised her family and helped to ease their pain and sorrow. We all pray that she has finally found the peace and security that eluded her for most of her life.
The family would like to thank her friends and extended family for their support and love of Jackie throughout her life, she was always accepted and never turned away, and especially the staff at Hartford Hospital for their incredible effort to extend Jackie’s life and providing her with compassion and comfort in her final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations can be made to the Cushing House for Transitional Youths, care of the Gavin Foundation, http://www.gavinfoundation.org/donate.
All are welcome to gather with Jackie’s family and friends on Saturday, June 12, from 10 a.m. t 1 p.m., at Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester St., North Grafton, followed by a brief prayer service at 1 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be private.
A Book of Memories to share a special message with Jackie’s family is available online at www.RoneyFuneralHome.com.
