1927 – 2015

AUBURN — Gertrude Irene “Pennie” O’Brien, 87, of Poland, died Sunday, April 19, at The Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice.

She was born Gertrude Irene Lothrop in Lewiston on Dec. 28, 1927, daughter of the late Frank and Fern Lothrop. She married Thomas F. O’Brien Jr. in 1946 and they had two sons together before separating in 1962. Gertrude made her home in Poland, where she has resided since 1982.

She was retired from Tambrands, where she worked for many years.

She enjoyed several hobbies, including reading, quilting, stained glass work, sewing and crocheting. She was a member of the Poland Quilting group. Gertrude loved birds and cared for an African grey parrot named Ben and a green-cheeked conure named Corey. She also was a volunteer at the Poland Library.

Gertrude was a much loved member of the community and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her two sons, Thomas F. O’Brien III and his wife, Joyce, of Lowell, Mass., and Timothy O’Brien and his wife, Susan, of Gray; grandchildren, Stacey Whittington and her husband, Eric, of Lewiston, Kristina Ouellette and her husband, Adam, of Lowell, Mass., Lisa Lawrence and her husband, Jon, of Lowell, Mass., Rebecca Hickey and her husband, Evan, of Sanbornton, N.H., and Timothy O’Brien Jr. of Eugene, Ore.; great-grandchildren, Sean Ouellette, Tyler Ouellette, Gavin Whittington and recently born Joshua Lawrence.

She was predeceased by her two brothers, Arthur Cass and Murray Lothrop, both of Auburn; and sister, Virginia Salisbury of Worcester, Mass.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice, as well as Pennie’s many friends and family, whom she loved and who loved her throughout her life.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Gertrude’s life by visiting her guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.