O’Brien, Mieko

A memorial service will be held LiveStream 1PM on Thursday, May 14th at www.vimeo.com/keenanfuneralhome 

A funeral Mass will be held at Church of the Assumption at a later date.

Mieko O’Brien passed away peacefully on April 25, 2020, at the age of 88. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Thomas O’Brien, five children, Robert (Nancy, Gregg (Gail), Anne (Tim), Peter (Wendy) and John, 11 grandchildren, sister Sumiko, and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her sister Yoshiko, and two younger brothers, Takeshi and Osamu. 

Born in Yokohama, Japan, Mieko enjoyed a carefree early childhood, followed by the hardships brought on by World War II, and the loss of her mother soon after. These events shaped Mieko to become strong and resilient and to cherish family. After graduating high school, Mieko went on to study English, then to several schools to hone her skills in culinary arts, sewing, and clothing design. In 1957, she met her future husband, Tom, a lieutenant in the Air Force stationed in Tokyo, and they married there at St Ignatius Chapel in 1960. By this time, Tom was working for Pan American Airlines, and the couple moved to Connecticut, where their first three children were born. During this time, Mieko became an American citizen in 1965. The couple moved to Japan with their young children in 1965, and soon after, their twin sons were born. The family then moved to Guam in 1975, then to Mahopac, NY in 1977. 

After Tom retired, the couple moved to Fairport NY, to be closer to many of their grandchildren. Mieko’s greatest love was her family. She took great pride in being a wife, mother, and doting grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her extended family and was happiest when surrounded by her beloved grandchildren. Mieko was very creative and channeled her artistic talents into her cooking, gardening, sewing, crocheting, and many arts and crafts all throughout her life. Many family gatherings centered around her favorite dishes, and no friend or family member ever left her home hungry. In the earlier years, Mieko enjoyed sewing outfits for her family. Her “Aloha shirts” received many compliments while living on Guam. An avid gardener, Mieko meticulously tended to her beautiful gardens filled with many varieties of flowers and plants. Tom and Mieko also shared a love for travel that lasted until her latter years. During their time together, Tom and Mieko enjoyed trips to destinations all over Europe and Asia, but their very favorite vacation spot was Maui, a place they visited yearly for the last 25 years, and where many happy memories were made. Her family extends a special thanks to the Fairport Baptist Home for the compassionate care provided to Mieko during her brief stay. Due to the current COVID 19 pandemic, there will be no calling hours or funeral. The family will hold a private memorial service in the future. Some of Mieko’s ashes will be returned to the Hirose family shrine in Japan. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to the Fairport Baptist Home Caring Ministry Foundation.