Mary Catherine O'Brien Reeves

Friday, Apr. 24, 2020

Mary Catherine O’Brien Reeves

May 24, 1927 ~ April 13, 2020

Born May 24, 1927 to William and Mary O’Brien in Arlington, Minnesota, Mary was the third of seven children and affectionately known as Sis to the entire O’Brien clan. She graduated from Arlington High School and the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she earned a degree in chemistry. She moved to Salt Lake City to work at the University of Utah Hospital, where she cared for and conducted research on young cancer patients. 

Mary married Pat Reeves on April 27, 1957, and together they raised five children. She was a dedicated wife and mother. Through the years she was an active volunteer with J.E. Cosgriff Memorial  Catholic School, Judge Memorial Catholic High School, St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Fort Douglas Swim Team and Ute Conference Football. She loved to travel and organized many wonderful vacations with Pat, the family, and with her sister TC. Her grandkids inducted her into the “Granny Hall of Fame” on her 90th birthday, an honor well deserved and much cherished.

An active member of Hidden Valley Country Club, Mary played tennis and golfed into her late 80s and continued bowling into her 90s. She also loved watching sports of all kinds and had a particular fondness for football. Mary was a very social person and cared deeply about connections to friends and family. 

Mary passed away following complications from a hip fracture. She is survived by her children Dennis, Tom (Jules), Kathy (Mike) Bracco and Mary Jones; her nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She is also survived by her brother Pat O’Brien (Yvonne), her sister TC Buckentine, her sister-in-law Katherine Lords, as well as many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband Pat; her son Jim; her brothers Mike, Bill, Jim and Francis; and her parents.  

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Mary’s neighbors Anna and Matt Baker and their four children, as well as Lloyd and Leslie Hobbs for all of the love and support they provided over the years.  The family is also grateful to the staff at Canyon Health and Hospice who provided comfort during these past two months.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a funeral and celebration of life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to J.E. Cosgriff Memorial Catholic School or a charity of your choice.