Obituary

 Charlyn Candee (Cook) O’Brien, 78, a Long-time resident of Huntington Beach passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. 

Candee was an elegant and gracious woman. She had a perpetual smile that would brighten any room. She was an amazing listener and went out of her way to help others, as evidenced by her many friendships. Always thinking the positive, she did not accept that others should be negative or unkind, and would always try to comfort anyone who needed it. 

Her Parkinson’s disease unfortunately would not allow us any more time with her; and anyone who knew her will miss her amazing, happy spirit and enduring smile. 

The family will be having a private graveside burial service, and then plan to host a gathering in the summer of 2021 when her beautiful life can be celebrated. 

Candee is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, John W. O’Brien; her daughters Kerrie Shank and Kelly Miller; grandchildren Jeff, Adam, Charlyn, Robbie, and Caroline. Candee was a devoted wife, caring mother, loving grandmother, kindhearted aunt, giving friend, and compassionate/dedicated teacher. 

Her husband, John, put together this brief timeline of her life: 

CHARLYN CANDEE (COOK) O’BRIEN, (08/23/1942 – 08/27/2020) 

“Candee”, AKA ‘Charlyn’ (‘CHAR’ from her Dad {Charles}, and ‘LYN’ from her Mom {Evelyn}, was born in Louisville Kentucky. 

Candee lived a number of years in Concord, California where she attended “Queen-Of-All-Saints” Catholic School, then, when her Dad retired after 30-years in the Navy (as a Lt. Commander), moved to Capistrano Beach. 

She graduated from Mater Dei High School, and then attended UCLA, to get her B.A. in “Elementary Education”. At age 20, during her Sophomore year, she met John Walter O’Brien —an Engineering Student. 

They dated for about a year, were engaged for another 8 months, and were married on June 20, 1964, shortly after Candee’s Graduation. (They celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary this June!) 

Candee taught school for a number of years while they lived in Canoga Park, and then after moving to Encino. In September 1967, they left the San Fernando Valley to move into their newly built house in Huntington Beach. By then, Candee had stopped Teaching and was 2 months pregnant with their first Daughter Kerrie Lynn. Three years later, their Second Daughter, Kelly Marie was born, and the O’Brien Family was complete —and even included a 90-pound German Shepherd! 

After both children had reached school age, Candee returned to teaching once again, this time at Saint Bonaventure Elementary School. Over the next 22-years, she taught Kindergarten, Second Grade, and then moved to Third grade, staying there until her retirement in 2000. 

She also taught CCD classes, was a Girl Scout Leader (even the cookie sales mom)! She helped with Choir at church and was an amazing piano player! 

John and Candee moved to Murrieta California in 2009 to be closer to their daughters and help with the 5 grandchildren. 

She adored her grandchildren and was their biggest fan at the many games, productions, concerts, and performances that they had; and she attended as many as she was able! 

She always made birthdays special and holidays memorable. 

She passed away peacefully and comfortably, surrounded by loved ones. 

Her shining light will be missed! 

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that you make a donation to:

Michael J. Fox Foundation

PO Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014