Christine ‘Chris’ O’Brien, 73, of Pingree Grove passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.
Christine was born on May 11, 1952, to Thaddeus and Elizabeth Gdowski. Chris was born and raised in Chicago. She graduated from Mother Guerin High School. Shortly after high school she meets her husband Patrick D OBrien to get married in July 1973. Chris spent her career as librarian and worked her way into earning the role of Head of Circulation at the River Grove Public Library until she retired.
A woman with great traditions, family, everyone’s favorite Aunt, enthusiastic baker and curious cook to always have people gather around her kitchen table. She enjoyed trying new recipes and will be always remembered for the recipes that didn’t work out as planned.
Chris had numerous medical battles over the past two years and most recently her facing cancer head on! She ultimately lost in her fight against it but was supported by her Hospice team and wonderful, kind and gentle caretakers from Eugene In Home Care group, especially Steff and Tuesday.
Chris should be remembered as a loving mother and devoted wife and crafty grandmother. She is survived by her husband of 52 years Patrick, her son Jonathan and wife Julie Hansen, grandchildren William (8) and Lanie (4). Her sister Kathy (Al) Walters and brother Rich (Nina) Gdowski.
Visitation and mass will be held on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., followed by a Mass at 10:30 a.m., all at St. Catherine of Siena, 845 W Main St, West Dundee. Funeral procession to follow for burial at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 37w210 Fabyan Pkwy, Geneva. The family is asking for all donations to be directed towards the American Cancer Society to help others fight the battle like Christine did during her life.
For further information, please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772, or visit defiorefuneral.com to leave an online condolence.
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Dear Jonathan and Pat, You are in my thoughts and prayers. I have fond memories of Chris.
I had the honor to work with Mrs. O’Brien at the River Grove Public library for so many years. She was a constant supporter of Rhodes school in River Grove and the type of a parent that was a true one of a kind that supported everything we did. My thoughts are with her family, but it’s a very sad day because the world lost a very great person.
Pat and Jonathan I am so very very sorry. I’m so glad Donna ,I ,and Adrian got to see her. It was a wonderful visit and she will be dearly missed!!! 🩷
Dear Pat & Jonathan , Adrian & I are so very sorry for your loss. We have such wonderful memories of our long friendship with you & Chris. She will always hold a special place in our hearts. Hugs to both of you. 💔
Thoughts and prayers to the Gdowski and O'Brien families, during this difficult time. God Bless!