Cheryl O’Brien, 73, died unexpectedly Tuesday at her home. Born in Racine on June 23, 1944, Cheryl was the daughter of the late Rudolf and June (Nee: Evenson) Anastasio.
She married Dennis R. O’Brien on March 23, 1968. He preceded her in death, August 9, 2010. Cheryl worked as a middle school principal for the Westfield School District in New Jersey. After her husband’s death, she retired and returned to Racine where she was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, the AAUW and served for a period as president of the board of directors of Hopes Center. Cheryl enjoyed playing bridge, loved trivia nights with her team “Alias” and traveling. More than anything she cherished time with her grandchildren.
She was so very loved and will be dearly missed by her children, Daniel (Jennifer) O’Brien of Rye brook, NY, Tara (Brian) Witchger of Indianapolis, IN, Dominic (Angelene) O’Brien of North Brook, IL; her seven grandchildren, Andrew and Tess O’Brien, Ryan and Anna Witchger, Sebastian, Juliet and Audrey O’Brien; brothers and sisters, Lance (Sherry) Anastasio, Cary Pat) Anastasio, Denise Anastasio (Pat Sarto), Julie Anastasio (Walter Graffin); nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. She lived life fully and loved completely and those who knew her will remember her for her heart, her warmth, her joy and her humor.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1100 Erie Street, with Rev. Antony Thomas officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Monday at the church from 9:00 A.M. until time of Mass at 10:30 A.M. Private interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Hopes Center of Racine Inc. have been suggested.