Ruth Mary O’Brien

Ruth Mary “Roostie” (Finlen) O’Brien, of Roxbury, New York, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2024. Roostie is survived by her five children: Michael C. O'Brien, III and his wife, Connie, of Floral Park, NY; Margaret Greason and her husband, Bill, of New York, NY; Thomas J. O'Brien and his wife, Laura, of Roxbury, NY; William P. O'Brien and his wife, Ann Marie, of Rockville Centre, NY; and Ellen Bryceland and her husband, Chuck, of Bronxville, NY.  She is also survived by twelve loving grandchildren, one great grandchild, and brothers, James and William Finlen. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Ruth; sister, Donna; husband, Mike; newborn son, James and grandson, Ian O’Brien.  

She was born in Butte, Montana to parents, James and Ruth Finlen.  Shortly after graduating from Seattle University, she was introduced to her beloved husband, Mike, in Hawaii. The two were married in Butte on September 1, 1955.  They started their lives in Brooklyn, NY, before raising their family in Garden City, NY. Roostie was a beloved mother and grandmother.  She was a very active volunteer for many charitable organizations and truly believed in giving back to her community. In her later years she enjoyed the peace and wildlife surrounding her home in Roxbury, NY.  

Calling hours are Friday, September 13th, 4:00pm – 7:00pm at Miller Funeral Home, 53905 New York 30, Roxbury, NY, and Sunday, September 15th, 2:00pm-5:00pm at the Fred H. McGrath & Son Funeral Home, 20 Cedar Street, Bronxville, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Margaret of Cortona, 452 West 260th Street, Bronx, NY, on Monday, September 16th at 10:30am. She will be buried at Saint John Cemetery in Queens at a private burial.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to an organization close to Roostie’s heart, CAMBA, www.camba.org or the organization that kept her safe from harm for years, the Roxbury Volunteer Fire Department – PO Box 514, Roxbury, NY 12474.