In loving memory of

Charlene L. O'Brien
January 28, 2019

CHARLENE O'BRIEN
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Charlene L. O'Brien, 93, of Muscatine, passed away on Monday, January 28, 2019, at Sunnybrook Assisted Living, Muscatine.

As per her wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Private burial will take place at a later date. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Char was born and raised in Muscatine, the daughter of Thomas and Blanche Gordy. She married L. E. 'Gene' O'Brien in 1944 in Muscatine.

Survivors include her daughter, Susi (Jim) McGowan of Bettendorf; grandsons, Matthew (Amy) McGowan of Naperville, Illinois; Chris (Mindi) O'Brien of Iowa City, and Tyler O'Brien of Bettendorf; two great-grandchildren, Megan and Ben McGowan of Naperville; and one brother, Ron Gordy of Muscatine.

She was preceded in death by her husband; one son, Michael (Mardell); her parents; and brothers, Carrol, Gary, and John.

Memorials may be made to Humility Homes and Services.

Tributes

Kitty Olsen wrote on Mar 29, 2020:

"I was just thinking of Char and was sad to learn of her passing last year. She was my mother?s (Darlene Toussaint) lifelong best friend. After dad died and mom came to live near us, I took her to Muscatine one day to visit Char. It was so nice to meet her after hearing mom talk about her through the years. They had such a great visit, giggling like school girls. It was such a gift to me to see them both so happy. When my mom passed in November of 2012, one of the hardest phone calls I had to make was to Char. I told her if she would like to come to our family graveside service that I would be happy to pick her up and take her. She said no, it would be too painful. My mom and Char had birthdays close together and always sent each other a card. After mom died, I sent Char a card for her birthdays and at Christmas, just to keep mom?s friend in my heart. We also exchanged letters now and then, until it got hard for Char to write. The last card I sent her was returned to me, so I knew it was bad news. I?m so glad to have known Char. She was a really nice lady. My mom loved her so much. My sincere sympathy to all of her family. With my love, Kitty Olsen"

Linda (Lowe) Swafford wrote on Feb 1, 2019:

"Susi and family, I am so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I think of you and her often. Now she is with your Dad and Mike and my Mom and Dad. We will all be together someday. She was like a second mother when I was young. She made the pain of my Mom's passing a little more bearable. Love to you all. Linda (Lowe) Swafford"

Tara Korthaus wrote on Jan 31, 2019:

"Oh my dearest Char--you will be so missed my dear. I loved helping you out at Sunnybrook for a short while. My deepest sympathy to the whole family. Just know she was loved by all."

Kathy Potter wrote on Jan 30, 2019:

"My mom Frances Krueger and Char were the best of friends from the first day mom moved in. They can be together again. I kept in touch with Char and visited every so often. She will be missed alot by many."

Joyce Figg wrote on Jan 30, 2019:

"So sorry for your loss. Your mother/grandmother was a very nice lady. Dennis and Joyce Figg"