Charlyn Candee O’Brien

Charlyn Candee O’Brien

August 23, 1942 - August 27, 2020
Murrieta California

Charlyn Candee O’Brien

August 23, 1942 - August 27, 2020
Murrieta California

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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8 responses to Charlyn Candee O’Brien

  1. Donna White says:

    Much love and hugs to all the family – Candee’s sweet smile will be dearly missed . John and Candee’s life together has been an example for me and I know many others that true love conquers all the ups and downs in a lifetime .Thank you John for being such a loving compassionate caretaker and may God give you and your family peace knowing we will all be reunited with Candee someday! God Bless you John and Kerrie and Kelly and families!
    Donna White/Oklahoma City

  2. My prayers are with you John and your family……Candee always had a smile and a kind word, She was a joy to know, and I love to listen to Her and John talked about their daughters and grandchildren, she was such a proud Grandma. John and Candee always were so loving and wonderful to each other and to every one, and I always felt very lucky to have them as neighbors and friends.
    Heaven has added an Angel. God bless you John and your family, and watch over you during this most difficult time.

    Ileana Cervantes/ Murrieta,Ca
    Sept 4,2020.

  3. Lisa Collins says:

    Sending your family love and hugs, what a special lady who touched so many.

  4. Thinking of all the O’Brien’s and sending love, light and hugs. Candee was an amazing, string woman with empathy for all. May her memory be a blessing.

  5. Dear Jon and all the O’Brian Family:
    We are so sorry for your loss.
    Candi was the most Beautiful Lady ever. Her smile ƒ  was so infectious and I never heard her say anything bad about anybody.  she had such an eagerness to help always. She will be so missed, not only by us but everyone in the neighborhood and all who knew her. Although our hearts are so broken , we know she is in Heaven and shining on all of us.‚ One day we shall meet again.With all our Love Annette, Frankie and Annemari °··

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