Kathleen B. O'Brien

Kathleen Balbach O’Brien, 80, passed away on Friday, July 4, after a short illness.  Born in Fort Benning, GA, on May 6, 1945, Kate wore her unique “Southerness” as a badge of pride among her siblings.  She was the first-born daughter of Joseph M. and Marie Balbach.

Kate graduated from St. Thomas Elementary School, Corpus Christi High School, and Thompson Business School.  She worked for several years at Hercules Powder Company and DuPont.

Kate’s proudest accomplishments were her children and grandchildren.  She cherished the time she spent with them and was always willing to show pictures.  Her other passions were quilting and crocheting and every Christmas she made a new ornament for her family and friends.  Among many other things, she will be remembered for her excitement over any holiday as she was always prepared with clothes and jewelry to celebrate. 

Kate is survived by her children:  Kevin, Shawn (Lyndsay), Heather Arvey (Mike), and Jay, who was also her caregiver; her grandchildren, Kevin O’Brien, Daniel O’Brien, William O’Brien, Andrew and Tyler Arvey.  She is also survived by her siblings: Helen Crowley (Jim), Joseph Balbach, Mary Ellen Papili (Lou), and Anne Balbach.  She was predeceased by her husband, John A. O’Brien Jr., and her sisters-in-law, Gloria Balbach and Barbara O’Brien.

The family wishes to extend their deepest thanks and appreciation to the nurses in the ACE unit (6th floor) and the staff of AccentCare Hospice in Christiana Care Hospital.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, July 10th, 2025 from 10AM-11AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM. Entombment will follow in Cathedral Cemetery.

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