Kathryn O'Brien

Biography

Kathryn Freeburg O'Brien, 93, of Coral Gables, passed away May 20, 2013. She was born July 17, 1919 in Summerfield, Ohio, to Maude and William Guiler. The seventh of eight children, Kathryn early on developed an adventurous spirit and love of life. After moving to Miami in 1937, she met and married Harold O. Freeburg. They moved to Gainesville while Harold completed his education at the University of Florida, then settled in Coral Gables where she lived until moving to East Ridge Retirement Village in 2004. Kathryn and Harold were loving parents who shared their passion for boating, tennis and the outdoors. They were long-time members of the Coral Gables Country Club and active in their church. Kathryn was also involved in the Coral Gables Music Club and the Coral Gables Garden Club. For many years, she worked for Blackwell, Walker and Grey in downtown Miami. Although widowed at the age of 59, Kathryn continued to embrace life as she took up ballroom dancing, tennis, and travelling the world, concluding with a trip to China at the age of 83. She married George O'Brien in 1989, enjoying 10 years of marriage until his death in 1999.
The last of the eight siblings, she is also predeceased by son Craig, husband Harold Freeburg, and second husband George O'Brien. She is survived by her son Rick (Cindy) of Islamorada, FL, grandsons Erik (Crystal) of Charlotte, NC, and Tyson (Heather) of Sneads Ferry, NC, great-grandchildren Cael, Liana and Sloane, as well as many nieces and nephews. She will be remembered for her love of family, her feisty spirit and determination to embrace all that life had to offer.
A memorial service will be held Friday, May 24, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel at East Ridge Retirement Village, 19301 SW 87 Ave, Miami, FL 33157. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to East Ridge Retirement Village, Special Fund-New Health Center.