Michaelene A. O'Brien
February 23, 1934 ~ July 25, 2024
Resided in:
Portland, Maine
Portland - Michaelene "Mickey" O'Brien, 90, passed away after a period of declining health on July 25, 2024. Born on February 23, 1934, Mickey was the beloved daughter of the late Dominic and Mary Amato. She grew up in the Little Italy neighborhood of Portland, where her family's sandwiches were a well-known staple in the community.
Mickey graduated from Portland High School in 1952, maintaining lifelong friendships with her classmates. She married Emmett O'Brien on June 28, 1958, in Portland, and together they raised their family on Stevens Avenue, building a home founded on faith and love.
An accomplished pianist, Mickey enjoyed playing classical music and took great pleasure in teaching her family. She found joy in being a homemaker, excelling as a seamstress and creating beautiful quilts and curtains for family and friends. Her culinary skills were renowned, and she especially loved cooking for her family.
Summers at camp on Little Sebago were cherished times for Mickey, serving as a beloved family gathering place. Her true love was her husband Emmett, with whom she shared a passion for travel, particularly to Italy.
Mickey was a devoted caregiver to her family members, especially her parents. She was always impeccably dressed, and her home was a model of pristine organization, reflecting her pride and joy in her surroundings. She delighted in simple pleasures, such as dining out and being involved in her children's lives.
She worked at the family sandwich shop, Amato's, founded by her grandfather, where she upheld the legacy of strong values and morals. Mickey took great pride in her appearance and enjoyed the finer things in life. Her grandchildren were a source of immense pride and joy.
Her children knew they were in trouble when she used their middle names, a testament to her loving yet firm guidance. Mickey was always close to her family, providing the comforting presence that only a mother can give.
Mickey leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and dedication to her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She was predeceased by her husband, Emmett O’Brien in 2003, Parents, brother John Amato. She is survived by her children, Kathleen Hilton of MD, Paula Kane and husband David of Scarborough, Mary Ellen Lynch and husband Michael of MA, Robert O’Brien and his partner Cindy Cohen Santorelli of VT; grandchildren, Nicholas, Gregory, Brittany, Ryan, Brendan, Alison, Connor, Kristin, Courtney, Sarah; great-granddaughter, Colette. Also survived by her brother, Leo Amato and wife Jane of Portland; sister-in-law, Jeanne Amato.
Visiting Hours celebrating Mickey's life will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 from 4-6PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 31 at 9AM, followed by a 10AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, 72 Federal Street, Portland. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. To view Mickey's memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.
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I knew Mickey through another family member and from the first time I met her, I adored her. She was polite, proud of family, clearly loved and missed her husband and she had an energy about her that I knew I bonded with. She had a nice long life. A beautiful woman inside and out. She spoke her mind and I live that! Prayers to the family at this difficult time. Love you, Mickey!