Marie O'Brien was not a household name, but to those who knew her, she was always a moment of warmth, humor, and generosity in your day. Born and raised in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, Marie’s life was filled with love for her family, a commitment to helping others, and a drive to educate the most underserved youth in New York City.
This spirit of giving led to her remarkable final act of kindness: a generous gift left in her will to Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY). As we celebrate Make-a-Will Month this August, Marie’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of the lasting impact that planned giving can have on our communities.
The Heart of a Philanthropist
Marie never married and was one of four siblings. Her family remembers her as someone who always put others first, often quietly supporting her community and family without seeking recognition. Marie’s nephew, John O'Brien, recalls her as a special person, someone whose goodness he only fully appreciated as he grew older.
“My aunt was always special to me. I'm not sure I understood early on how special she really was. And sometimes I fear I may have taken all those wonderful things for granted,” John reflects.
Marie grew up in a tight-knit family in Philadelphia. She was one of four children with two sisters and a brother, John’s father. Marie’s father, though John never had the chance to know him personally, was a significant figure in their family history. Though he passed in 1956, Marie carried on his legacy of kindness and community service.
“He was a big guy, but he was a guy that everybody gravitated to and I'm sure my aunt, you know, took several pages out of his book in that regard,” John shares.
Cherished Memories of Marie
Marie’s sense of humor was another trait that made her memorable.
“She had a way of making everyone laugh, even in tough times,” John remembers. “Her jokes were legendary in our family. Even at serious family meetings, she would find a way to lighten the mood.”
Aunt Marie’s humor was one of the many reasons that John and his siblings were so drawn to their aunt when they visited her in New York City as kids. It was this combination of kindness and humor that endeared her to everyone she met.
Marie’s life was rich with experiences and memories, many of which were captured in the 250-plus photos John shared with his nieces and nephews. John fondly recalls family gatherings where Marie’s wit and charm were the highlights. Her life in Pennsylvania was filled with memorable moments that defined her as a person.
Embracing New York City
Somewhere in her teenage years, Marie left the suburban lifestyle of Lansdowne for a larger adventure in Manhattan, the heart of New York City. Marie studied at Marymount College and fully embraced life in the big city right from the start.
Marie spent most of her adult life in New York City, living and working as a schoolteacher and taking care of her mother. Although she never married nor had children of her own, she was survived by nine nieces and nephews and 21 great nieces and nephews. She devoted her life to the children that filled her classroom each year.
Marie might have taught math or reading and writing, but history points to the fact that she was a very good, devoted teacher and was even awarded Teacher of the Year at least once during her career.
Marie Taught the Kids Who Needed it the Most
Marie did not take a job in a prep school on the Upper East Side. Marie preferred to work in underserved schools with populations that truly needed the help and the inspiration that Marie could provide. Marie spent many years of her teaching career doing just that at Park West High School or famously referred to in an article in the New York Post in 1989 as The Prep School for Prison. Marie worked her entire career to give a leg up to kids that so many thought unredeemable.
Marie thought otherwise.
Marie’s Legacy Lives on Through the Children of RMH-NY
John believes it was a combination of her life as a schoolteacher and her love for all her nieces and nephews that ultimately influenced her gift to Ronald McDonald House New York. Marie lived on the Upper East Side near the House on 73rd Street and would pass by the front door every day watching the kids run in and out of the House waiting for their transportation to the hospital for treatment.
Her gift is a truly remarkable act of generosity that will allow Ronald McDonald House New York to continue to provide the best care we possibly can for the kids and families that we support every single day.
The Power of a Will
Marie’s decision to leave a gift to RMH-NY in her will was not made lightly. She had seen firsthand the struggles families face when a child is seriously ill, and she wanted to make a difference. By including RMH-NY in her will, Marie ensured that her legacy of love and support would continue long after her passing. “It's almost like I may have taken all of those wonderful things for granted,” John reflects on realizing the full extent of his aunt’s generosity.
Creating a will is an essential step in ensuring that your wishes are honored and your legacy preserved. It allows you to provide for your loved ones and support causes that are important to you. For Marie, this meant supporting a place that provides comfort and care to families during their most challenging times. As we observe Make-a-Will Month this August, Marie’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of planning for the future.
Why Leave a Gift to RMH-NY?
By including RMH-NY in your will, you can help provide a home away from home for families with children undergoing medical treatment. Your support can make a difference in the lives of countless families, providing them with a sense of stability and community during difficult times.
Leaving a portion of your estate to RMH-NY is not just an act of generosity; it’s a statement of belief in the importance of health equity and the power of community support. Marie’s gift helps ensure that RMH-NY can continue to offer vital services to families in need, expanding its reach and impact in the years to come.
The Importance of Starting the Will-Making Process Now
Marie’s decision to include RMH-NY in her will highlights the benefits of starting the will-making process early. By planning ahead, you can:
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Ensure Your Wishes Are Honored: A will allows you to clearly outline how you want your assets distributed, ensuring that your loved ones and the causes you care about are taken care of.
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Provide Peace of Mind: Knowing that your affairs are in order can provide peace of mind for you and your family. It’s a gift to yourself and those you leave behind.
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Support the Causes You Care About: Including charitable organizations in your will is a powerful way to support the causes that matter most to you. Like Marie, you can make a lasting impact on your community.
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Avoid Legal Complications: A well-prepared will can help avoid legal complications and disputes among your heirs. It’s a way to ensure that your wishes are carried out smoothly and efficiently.
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Leave a Legacy: Your will reflects your life’s values and priorities. It’s an opportunity to leave a legacy that reflects who you are and what you stand for.
Celebrating Make-a-Will Month
August is Make-a-Will Month, a time to reflect on the importance of planning for the future and ensuring that our wishes are honored. It’s a time to consider how we can support our loved ones and the causes that matter most to us. Marie’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that a well-planned will can have, both on our families and our communities.
By starting the will-making process now, you can take control of your legacy and ensure that your values are reflected in your estate planning. Whether you’re providing for your family, supporting a cause you care about, or both, a will is an essential tool for ensuring that your wishes are honored.
How You Can Make a Difference
To learn more about how you can include RMH-NY in your will and make a lasting impact, visit our planned giving page or contact our team for more information. With your help, we can continue to provide vital services to families in need, ensuring that Marie’s legacy of love and support lives on.
Marie O'Brien's story is a powerful example of how one person’s generosity can make a lasting difference. As we celebrate Make-a-Will Month this August, let her legacy inspire us to consider how we can support the causes that matter most to us through planned giving. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and ensure that our values are reflected in our legacies.
Get in Touch
If Marie’s story speaks to you, donate today. Reach out to RMH-NY Planned Giving at Legacy@rmh-newyork.org to discuss any questions regarding setting up your estate plans or to learn more about how your money directly supports our kids and the impact that your legacy donation would have on the families in our service.
