Emma Louise O'Brien

Emma L. O'Brien 1919-2008   Indian Orchard - Emma Louise (Sherman) O'Brien, 88, of Indian Orchard, MA passed away at home on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008 surrounded by her loving family.  Born in Providence, RI on Oct. 19, 1919 she moved to Indian Orchard in 1956.  Emma was a communicant of the former St. Matthew's Church in Indian Orchard and was a parishioner of Christ the King Church in Ludlow. She was a faithful member of the Perpetual Adoration Group at her church for many years.  She retired from the Springfield Public Schools as a teacher aide in 1997 after 21 years of service.  Emma was predeceased by her husband Joseph M. O'Brien, Jr. on Feb. 11, 1988 and her two brothers, State Rep. Frank Sherman and Edward Sherman of Coventry, RI.  She was the daughter of Emma (DiGrado) and James Sherman also of Providence, RI and leaves a brother Arthur Leo Sherman and his wife Jeanne of Charlestown, RI.  Emma leaves her sons Joseph M. O'Brien, III and his wife Kathleen of Longmeadow, Ma, James F. O'Brien of Indian Orchard, Gerard C. O'Brien and his wife Eva of Indian Orchard, Kevin D. O'Brien of Springfield, her daughters Mary E. O'Brien of Indian Orchard, Patricia A. O'Brien of Springfield and Bridget E. D'Agostino and her husband Francis also of Indian Orchard.  Emma leaves eight grandchildren; Jed C. O'Brien of Springfield, Megan K. Witwer of Springfield, Benjamin J. O'Brien of Surprise, AZ, Joseph M. O'Brien, IV of Seattle, WA, Erin B. O'Brien of Ludlow, MA, Sarah E. O'Brien of Philadelphia, Moira E. O'Brien of Indian Orchard and Rory P. O'Brien of Philadelphia.  She also leaves three great grandchildren; Ethan, Christian and Morgan O'Brien all of Springfield.  Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Open Pantry 287 State St., Springfield, MA 01105 or to the MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center 171 Union St., Springfield, MA  01105. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008 from the Ratell Funeral Home 200 Main St. Indian Orchard, at 9 a.m., followed by the Liturgy of Christian Burial in Christ the King Church 41 Warsaw Ave., Ludlow at 10 a.m.  Burial will be in St. Aloysius Cemetery, Indian Orchard.  Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Ratell Funeral Home (413) 543-3836