Anne L. O'Brien

Anne “Toni” L. O’Brien, 95, formerly of Benton Harbor, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at The Laurels of Bedford Nursing Home in Battle Creek, MI. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 10:30 A.M at St. Johns Catholic Church, 600 Columbus (at Catalpa), Benton Harbor, MI with Fr. Bill Jacobs officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Benton Harbor. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. before the start of service at the church. Memorials may be made to S.W. Michigan Humane Society. Those wishing to send the family a message of condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Anne was born on March 26, 1913 to John and Aloysia (Grynoic) Tomas in Calumet, MI. Anne graduated from Borgess School of Nursing in 1937. She later married Alfred O’Brien in Benton Harbor. She spent 50 years as a Registered Nurse at Mercy Hospital in St. Joseph working with infants. She also spent 5 years helping unwed mothers in Benton Harbor Schools. She was an active member with St. Johns Catholic Church where she loved to volunteer at the Thrift Shop. She enjoyed animals, especially dogs, and loved her childhood on her family farm. Anne will be remembered for her sense of humor, caring, and love of children. She will be deeply missed. Anne is survived by her daughter, Patricia Shelby; a grandson, James Shelby, Jr., niece, Angie (John) Ponzini; nephews Dave Tomas and Bob Tomas, great niece, Jennifer (Adrian) Strebs and their children Meadow and Jude Strebs; great nephew, Michael (Sara Stacharczyk) Ponzini, other nieces, nephews and close friends.