"Oh Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling..."

TOPSFIELD - Barbara "Bobbie" (McDermott) O'Brien, 48-year resident of Topsfield and recently of Middleton, passed peacefully to heaven at home on September 5, 2017. Bobbie arrived as an early family Christmas present in December 1930 in Fitchburg, MA. She was the beloved wife of Bill for 63 years, and the adored, youngest daughter of the late William and Margaret McDermott. She was consecrated to the Blessed Virgin after Baptism and wore only blue and white until her First Holy Communion when she was seven years old.

Bobbie was born with an enthusiasm for life and people that never waned. She lived every day of her life to the fullest, approaching every endeavor with unbridled enthusiasm. She loved the outdoors and nature from childhood, spending summers at her family's camp and working farm. Her first, lifelong passions were horses and skiing. She attended St. Bernard's Elementary School, Fitchburg High School, and graduated from the State Teachers College at Fitchburg with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.

Bobbie met Bill in 1949 and they became inseparable, marrying in 1954. She taught Elementary School in Lynnfield until they started their family. Together they created a home full of love, laughter, fun, and sports, including animals and local kids who congregated daily. Her children frequently arrived home to learn their friends had stopped by to spend time with their mom. Her constant smile, sense of humor, vivacious personality, boundless energy, and unwavering interest in everyone she met made people of all ages want to be around her. She was as involved in her children's lives and activities as any mom could ever be - from school, CCD, Scouts, 4-H, music lessons, and town sports to family ski and tennis vacations and everything in between.

Bobbie's life priority was the happiness and well-being of those she loved. She was the center of her family - loving, sensitive, selfless, intelligent, wise, funny, and endlessly supportive. She was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She and Bill were soul-mates and completely devoted to one another, and she provided her children and grandchildren with unlimited, unconditional love. She was a perpetual source of wisdom and help, and had an intuitive ability to determine the right thing to do in any situation.

The compassion and kindness Bobbie displayed throughout her lifetime were immeasurable. She was always the first to help a friend or neighbor during a difficult time. She was an ongoing, generous source of support to many people in her community. With her warm and caring manner, she made friends everywhere she went. She immediately saw the positive qualities in people she met and instantly liked them. She rarely ventured anywhere without running into a friend. Many of her friendships spanned decades.

Bobbie and Bill were devout members of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church since 1966, where Bobbie co-managed the CCD program when her children were young. She loved music and was an accomplished pianist. She sang in the St. Rose Choir for 30 years. She was an active community volunteer with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Topsfield Friends of the COA, and Topsfield/Boxford Community Club. She drove the COA Bus and ran the Topsfield and Boxford Flu Clinics. She participated in North Shore Medical Center Cancer Fundraising Walks. She was awarded the COA Silver Tree Award. She hosted Fresh Air Fund children from New York City. She was a member of the Trustees of Reservations, Essex County Trails Association, and Topsfield Historical Society.

Bobbie adored animals and fiercely advocated for any neglected animal she spotted around town. Her own horses and dogs led pampered lives. She was a true athlete, passionate about riding, skiing, tennis, and walking. She rode thousands of miles around the North Shore on her beloved horses. She loved snowstorms and jumped at any chance to slip on her cross-country skis. She eagerly skied to town during the Blizzard of '78 to pick up and deliver groceries. She spent many hours on the tennis court of Club 92, where her husband was a 40-year member. She received her first pair of rollerblades on her 65th birthday. She spent time outdoors most days of her life. She knew every trail in every local park. She rode, skied, and played tennis until she was 84 years old.

Bobbie was larger than life and full of fun, but always more interested in the people around her than she was in herself. She touched countless lives and made the world a better place for everyone she knew. She will be missed forever by those who loved her.

In addition to her husband Bill, Bobbie is survived by her loving children Erin O'Brien of Middleton, Molly (Dan) Awiszus of Topsfield, and Barry (Lisa) O'Brien of Eliot, Maine, and grandchildren Emma, Terence, Peter, Annabella, and Aidan. She was predeceased by sisters Josephine Lowe and Margaret Malter, and on June 6, 2017 by her brother, Retired Rear Admiral William McDermott, Jr., M.D. She also leaves many extended family members and friends. Her family is eternally grateful for the care Bobbie received from Erin Barker, Laurie Bailey, and all the staff at Care Dimensions.

ARRANGEMENTS: Bobbie's Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Rose of Lima Church, Park St., Topsfield, on Friday, September 22nd at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are invited to attend. A lunch reception will follow. Assisting the family with the arrangements is the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home 167 Maple St., (rte 62) Danvers. In lieu of flowers, please honor Bobbie's life legacy by spending time with someone lonely, making a gesture of kindness to somebody in need, or smiling at a stranger and initiating a conversation. Donations in Bobbie's name can be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 22 Boston Street, Middleton, MA 01949. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit odonnellfuneralservice.com.