Obituary of Denise Kelly O'Brien

Denise Kelly O’Brien, 62, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2024, in Albany, New York. Born to Irish immigrants, Joseph Leo O’Brien and Katherine (Kitty Kelly) O’Brien, on December 13, 1961, in Gouverneur, New York, Denise was their fourth of six children. ​As a young girl growing up in Vernon and Sherril, Denise loved making friends, endless swimming, and simple fun. A graduate of the VVS Class of 1980, Denise represented her school as a spirited cheerleader and formed lasting friendships, most especially with Joanne (Gardner) Vaccaro, her closest friend. ​Motherhood was her next calling, with the arrival of her darling firstborn, Christopher Michael Wickens, followed by the birth of her lively daughter, Jennifer Lynn (Wickens) Beck. A loving, tender-hearted mom, Denise adored her children, who were so dear to her heart. She was a patient, kind, and devoted mother who sacrificed so much for her children’s happiness. ​Compassion flowed from Denise’s heart for those in need. She could spot a hurting soul and always tried to help in sometimes small yet always remarkable and heartwarming ways. Those who knew her were touched by the angel within her.Denise was proud of her long career as a state employee, working in various branches of the New York State legislature and later for the Department of Transportation. Denise was a voracious reader, a joy she shared with her mother and her daughter. She was whip-smart and carried herself with great poise. All through her life, Irish beauty and style were admired. Denise shared a strong connection with her father, Leo, for whom she had a deep and abiding respect and love. They bonded over a shared appreciation of gardening and the New York Post. ​Denise was predeceased by her beloved mother, Katherine O’Brien; son, Christopher Wickens; and nephew, Patrick O’Brien. She is survived by her beautiful family, including her father, Leo and his partner Shari Caputo; her siblings, Terry, Margie, Kathy, Sean, and Jim as well as their spouses, Becky, Mark, Pete, Barb, and Ann; her daughter, Jen; her grandchildren Jordan and Asher; and eleven nieces and nephews. ​A funeral mass will be held at St. Helena’s Church, 204 Primo Ave, Sherrill, New York, 13461, on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. All are welcome to join the family at St. Helena’s at 11:30 a.m. before the mass. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made toUNICEF, an organization dedicated to providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide, a cause Denise felt strongly about supporting.