Constance Mary "Connie" O'Brien

Constance Mary "Connie" (Carpenter) O'Brien of Winchendon, formerly long-time resident of Littleton passed away peacefully on November 17, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. She was 85 years old. Born in Arlington on January 11, 1932, she was the eldest daughter of Leo and Alice (Hammel) Carpenter.

Connie began her social life at the age of six attending St. Agnes parochial school in Arlington and later graduating from St. Columbkille High School in Brighton in 1950. Active in school as a cheerleader and on the drill team, Connie was successful winning many competitions. She was on many committees and eventually served as class president. It was during this time that Connie met her soon-to-be-husband, Jackie while living in Brighton with her family. Jackie and Connie began dating in 1947 and were married at Our Lady of Presentation Church in Brighton on March 1, 1949. Together they were blessed with seven children; the joys of their lives.

Jackie worked two jobs which allowed Connie to be an amazing homemaker and mother. Always guiding her children through life, she taught them to be respectful, honest and not afraid of hard work. To financially help contribute to her family, Connie made and sold beautiful birthday and wedding cakes. Connie loved to sew and made most of the clothes for her family. She enjoyed the holidays, and was especially fond of visiting with her family on Easter Sunday with their new outfits that she had hand-made from the inside out.

Known for being a fabulous cook, Connie was famous for her meatballs, chocolate chip cookies and her lasagna. In addition to her food platters and dinners, she was also a very accomplished knitter. The number of crocheted afghans, tatted doilies, tied blankets and other crafts is unceasing. She was an ardent Red Sox supporter and had an unmatched zest for life.

Connie did not drive until she was 50 years old. She worked at the Old Oaken Bucket in Westford and cooked for the hot bar at Donelan's of Littleton until 1995. She was later employed by Idylwilde farm in Acton until her retirement in 2000. Connie danced her way through life with a smile on her face. Her kindness, giving spirit, infectious laugh, feistiness and ardent faith will live on through her family. She will be deeply missed.

Connie is survived by her children and their spouses; James "Jimmy" O'Brien (Piper), Kathleen "Cathy" Taylor (Bob), Maureen O'Brien and Daniel "Danny" O'Brien (Sheila). She is also survived by her siblings; Mary Lally, Carol Lento, Leo Carpenter, Jr., Francis Carpenter as well as 13 Grandchildren and 26 Great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Jackie, Connie is sadly predeceased by her children; John "Obie" O'Brien, Geraldine "Gerry" Britt and Joseph "Joey" O'Brien. She is also predeceased by her sister, Marjorie Porter.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Connie on Monday, November 27 from 3:00 until 7:00 pm in the Badger Funeral Home, 347 King St., Littleton. Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 28 at 11:00 AM in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Westlawn Cemetery, Littleton.

For those who wish, memorial contributions can be made to:
The Wounded Warrior Project
PO Box 758517,
Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517.