Kathleen “Kk” O’Brien

Kathleen “KK” O’Brien, of Hull, formerly of Dorchester, died peacefully at her daughter’s home in Hull on Thursday, July 14, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was 79.

Born in Dorchester on January 6, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Paul A. and Alma L. (Major) O’Brien. She was raised in Fields Corner, attended local schools and graduated from the Jeremiah E. Burke High School. KK’s career was with Blue Cross Blue Shield. She worked as a team leader and specialized in training. KK enjoyed her career and all the relationships she built throughout the years.

KK was a woman of great faith and lived her life in accordance with the three great virtues of the Church: Faith, Hope, and Love. Love of God and love of family were the cornerstone values she lived by, and she raised her family with these same values. KK had many devotions to Our Lady and was an active communicant at St. Ann’s Church in Hull. Throughout the years, KK taught CCD to many of the children in Hull.

KK was a true matriarch and a beautiful mother. She was protective, strong and dedicated-not only to her seven children, but to many other children in the community. KK was a “momma bear”. She always believed that God blessed her, seven times with her seven children. KK was determined to love, protect, cherish, raise and prepare her children for adulthood.

KK was an artist and loved to create art by mediums of oil painting, knitting, painting eggs, and creating “The Madyson Doll Collection”. The Madyson Doll Collection was patented by KK many years ago. She started this collection in tribute to her late grandchild, who died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). KK would create these dolls as gifts to her friends and family. Oil painting was by far her favorite medium. She created many pieces that won awards in the Quincy Art Association, of which she was a member. KK’s favorite scenes to paint were seascapes and lighthouses. Some of these paintings can be seen hanging in the administrative offices of the Hull Police Department.

KK will be remembered as an avid animal and dog lover, and a selfless, faithful, person with a great sense of humor. Her life lessons and example are part of her legacy that continues through her family. KK’s life has left a lasting impression on all the lives she touched.

KK was the devoted mother of Deputy Chief Neil J. Reilly, HPD and his wife Robin of Hull, Patrick O. Reilly of Boston, Christine M. McDonough and her husband Thomas of Hull, Michelle A. Glennon and her husband Patrick of Hull, Kathleen E. Mahoney and her husband Jon of Hull, Thomas M. Reilly and his wife Kristen of Hingham, Matthew M. Reilly and his wife Molly of Hull. She was the loving grandmother of eighteen grandchildren and the dear sister of Alma H. Roche and her husband Dave of Sharon. KK is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Paul, Noreen, Jack, Dorothy, and Louise.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, 4-8 PM in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.), HINGHAM.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:30 AM on Thursday, July 21, 2022, prior to the Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Parish in St. Ann’s Church, Hull at 10:30 AM.

Services will conclude with interment in Hull Village Cemetery, Hull.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in KK’s name to Boston Children’s Hospital Trust: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), 401 Park Dr., Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215. (When selecting the “*Gift Designation:” drop down menu, please select: “Other” and type: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). For questions, please contact Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, by calling: 617-355-6890.)