Rita Catherine (Lyons) O'Brien

Rita Catherine O'Brien (nee Lyons), 93, of Mobile, Alabama, formerly of Philadelphia, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2022. Mrs. O’Brien was born in South Philadelphia in 1928, one of 14 children born to Cecelia C. Lyons (nee Regan) and John T. Lyons. She was the loving mother of Suzanne Regina de Sanctis, Thomas J. Jr., Edward Michael, Rosemarie Rita Jones, and the late Patrick Dennis. She is survived by her sister, Sister Cecelia Immaculate IHM; her fourteen grandchildren; and her ten great-grandchildren. Rita was the dear aunt, great aunt, and great-great aunt to many nieces and nephews. She is preceded by her beloved husband, Thomas Joseph O’Brien Sr. and her 12 siblings. 

Rita was a proud graduate of John W. Hallahan, class of 1946. She had a number of occupations in her life, including working at John Wanamaker Department Store, employment as a 1970 U.S. census taker, whipping ladies into shape as an aerobics instructor, and lastly worked at Pentagon City Mall.

Rita always loved birthday parties and was famous for saying, “Birthdays are meant to be celebrated." Her joy was shared when her extensive family gathered for the grand occasion of her 90th birthday.

Rita had a very close bond with her siblings and loved traveling with them even into her later years. Ireland, in particular, was always a favorite place to visit. She was an inspiration to many and overcame adversity with a strong determination to continue to live her life to the fullest. For those who knew her, Rita was always noted for her generosity, her sweet and gentle spirit, and an abiding commitment to her Catholic faith. 

Relatives and friends are invited to her Funeral Mass 10:30 A.M. Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Saints Philip & James Church, 723 E. Lincoln Highway, Exton, PA  19341 where friends may call 9:30-19:15 A.M. at the Church.  Interment Calvary Cemetery, Conshohocken, PA .