Carolyn O'Brien Obituary

Carolyn O'Brien SUMMERVILLE - Carolyn Sires O'Brien, of Summerville, SC, beloved wife, mother, and "Grammy", passed away on February 23, 2023. Carolyn was born on June 21, 1954, in Bethesda, Maryland to Henry and Alice Hare. Her life will be celebrated on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at a visitation at 2:00 pm at St. George's Episcopal Church, 9110 Dorchester Road, Summerville, SC 29485, with a funeral to follow at 3:30 in the church sanctuary. She was a graduate of Albert Einstein High School, North Carolina Greensboro University, and she received her doctoral degree in Education from the University of South Carolina. Carolyn married Edward Eugene "Gene" Sires on July 7, 1979, and they built their life in Summerville. She worked as a speech-language pathologist, school psychologist, and special services coordinator. She cherished her friendships with her co-workers and had a passion for advocating for special needs families and students. She was predeceased by her husband, Gene Sires. After his death, she was blessed to find love again with Thomas O'Brien. Though it was not the path that she nor Tom ever imagined to have taken, God was faithful and had his hand in every step of their love story. It was important to both Tom and Carolyn that the love and memories they shared during their first marriages with Gene and Marcia stay in their hearts and were never forgotten. She is survived by her husband, Thomas O'Brien, her son, Andrew Sires, and his wife, Jenna, her daughter, Alison Terry, and her husband, Chris, and her step-son, Daniel O'Brien. Her six grandchildren, Noah, Hudson, and Jack Terry, Addison, Benjamin, and Cameron Sires were the lights of her life. They all loved "Grammy" just as she loved them. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, and many nieces and nephews. She was a member of the Episcopal Church of Good Shepard. She loved to read and enjoyed attending sporting events. She was a dedicated alumnus and fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks. One of her greatest memories was being able to cheer on the Carolina Women's Basketball Team and meet their coach, Dawn Staley. She was thrilled to watch her Lady Gamecock win the National Championship last year. She also became a huge Citadel Bulldog fan. One of her favorite things was to visit Edisto Beach every summer with her family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Summerville Miracle League (http://www.summervillemiracleleague.org/contact-donations.html). Arrangements by Parks Funeral Home, 130 West 1st North Street, Summerville, SC 29483. www.parksfuneralhome.com. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston