Gertrude Margaret (Shine) O’Brien, 97, passed away on Good Friday, April 7, 2023, at the Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Gertrude was born on November 7, 1925, in Wellsville, the daughter of the late Jeremiah and Catherine (Kane) Shine. On August 18, 1948, in Wellsville she married Matthew O’Brien who predeceased her on August 18, 1988.
Gertrude was a graduate of Wellsville High School and was employed as a Utility Billing Machine Operator for the Water and Light Department in Wellsville from March 1, 1965, until her retirement on December 15, 1987. She met Matt in 1947 and they had three children, John, Sharon and Sheila.
After retirement Gertrude spent many years attending daily mass at Immaculate Conception Church. She was a member of Lady Elks. She loved watching Georgetown basketball, the Atlanta Braves and the Oakland Raiders. She and her friends enjoyed playing Canasta.
Gertrude is survived by her son John (Lisa) of Ruidoso, New Mexico., five grandchildren: Kelly Greene (Jerry), Greg Greene (Angie), Jeremy Greene (Carmen), Katherine O’Brien and Matthew O’Brien, as well as 5 great grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband she was predeceased by two daughters Sheila and Sharon; and her siblings Joseph (Veva), Paul, William (Ruth), Margaret, Kathryn, Walter (Irene), Bernard (Jeanne), Elizabeth (Leo), Dorothy (James), Helen, (George).
Gertrude resided for 12 years at Highland nursing home. She made many friends. Our family is grateful to all the staff of Highland for their exceptional love and care of Gertrude.
Friends are invited to call on Friday, April 21, 2023, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The Rosary will be recited Saturday, at 10:00 am in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 22, at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. The burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to Comfort House of Allegany County.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com
