"Love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation."

Carolyn "Lyn" O'Brien, 76, of Marshfield, MA, died in her home in the early hours of November 20th, surrounded by the love and energy of her friends and family passing through all week long. After a near 40-year battle with cancer and on hospice since January, we are feeling blessed to have had so much quality time with Lyn/Mom/Granma before she let go.

She is survived by a passionate, Griswold-esque husband, Rich O'Brien, a direct, but devoted daughter, Katie O'Brien of Jamaica Plain, and lovably sensitive son, Kevin O'Brien, of Everett. Her oldest son, Richie, passed away in 2001, but was always in her heart. She also adored her in-laws and their extended families: Tyler Morell—who, with Katie, gave her their first grandchildren—Archer and CC Morell. And Nicole O'Brien who, with Kevin, blessed her with their most recent grandbaby, the delicious Seamus Richie O'Brien, in March.

Following the death of her parents, Anne + James Mandeville, Lyn served as the matriarch of the Mandeville family to her siblings and their partners: Jim + Donna Mandeville of Marshfield, Paul (deceased) + Judy Mandeville of Westwood, Dick + Mary (deceased) Mandeville of Weymouth, Betsy + Joe Kelley of Algonquin, IL, and Maryanne + David Evans of Marshfield. She was a friend and sister-in-law to Connie O'Brien of Plymouth, Dorothy + Jim Howell of Alpharetta, GA, and Jack + Laura O'Brien (deceased). As the oldest of six, Lyn served as a second mother/grandmother to so many nieces and nephews.

She spent much of her career teaching 3rd grade in room 203 at South River School in Marshfield, before retiring in 2006. Most will remember Lyn (Mrs. O'Brien) for her production of the Tracers of Lost Parts of Speech, an inspired cursive writing curriculum, and a love for all things Roald Dahl. Her students were such an important part of her life, she was sharing stories right until the very end. She was very proud of the amazing talent she helped to cultivate.

A celebration of her life will be held at St. Christine's Parish on Thursday, November 30th at 10:30am, with an after-party at Haddad's Ocean Cafe in Marshfield.

For those asking what they can do at this time:

1.      Donate. Consider the Norwell Visiting Nurse Association (NVNA) who were so good to us, any organization helping the fight for cancer, or your local public school system.

2.      Be thankful. It is the season after all. Consider sending a thank you note in cursive penmanship, just like Mom always did.

3.      Make clam chowder. It's a favorite of her many comforting classics. A recipe we're happily sharing below.

4.      Toast to your good fortune. Up your after-dinner drink game with a sipper of Drambuie, or Crème de Menthe, or Grand Marnier.

5.      Embrace the chaos. Lyn and Rich weren't an obvious match (Type A meets Type Squee!), but there's a reason their marriage lasted an incredible 51 years. So, if you see Rich being spontaneous about town, feel free to join in on the fun.

Lyn O'Brien's New England Clam Chowdah

Ingredients:
2 Med onions, sliced
4 med potatoes, cut into small cubes
3 cans Whole Baby Clams (juice reserved)
1 bottle clam juice
3 tbsp Margarine
3 tbsp parsley flakes
½ tbsp thyme
Salt + pepper to taste
1 quart Half&Half

*for thicker soup, add small amt of instant potato flakes

Directions:
Sauté onions in margarine until limp. Add potatoes & clam juice from cans & bottle. Cook until potatoes are somewhat soft. Add seasonings. When potatoes are ready, add clams & cream. Heat until just about to boil. DO NOT BOIL.
Garnish with crisp bacon and oyster crackers.
Chowder is always best the 2nd day.