Obituary of Sharon A. O'Brien

Sharon A. O’Brien, 78
Beloved Scholar, World Traveler, and Devoted Member of the Dominican Order

Sharon A. O’Brien, 78, of Mountainside, NJ, passed away peacefully at her home on July 7, 2025.

Born and raised in Rahway, NJ, Sharon lived an extraordinary life marked by her intellectual curiosity, deep spirituality, and global experience. Her journey took her to France and Greece, where she lived, studied, and worked, before settling in Randolph, NJ for 20 years and eventually making her home in Mountainside in 1997.

A lifelong learner and academic, Sharon held numerous degrees and certifications that reflected her passion for language, literature, and education. She earned her certificate d’Assiduité and a Master’s Degree in French from the University of Grenoble in France. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Lebanon Valley College in 1970, a Master’s Degree in Education and Humanities from Kean University (Summa Cum Laude), and studied comparative literature for four years at NYU while pursuing her Ph.D. She also completed a two-year certificate in Management from the American Management Associates and a two-year certificate in Greek Studies from the Athens Center for the Creative Arts in Athens, Greece.

Sharon was a gifted translator, teacher and a talented professional, working in various roles including Database Specialist, Consultant, Programmer, and Systems Analyst. She held positions at several distinguished organizations including Mennan Corporation (Morris Plains, NJ), Ricoh Corporation (Caldwell, NJ), Englehard Corporation, Chanel Lumber Corporation (Cedar Knolls, NJ), Beneficial Headquarters (Peapack, NJ), and IBM (California). In all her professional endeavors, Sharon brought intellect, dedication, and a rare grace.

Sharon’s spiritual life was central to her being. She was professed to the Dominican Order as Sister Grace Anthony of Jesus, OP, a role that brought her profound fulfillment and guided much of her life’s work. She also loved to travel, she was fond of saying to herself; “Behind the books, I shall find God”.  To that end, and by the Grace of God, she was received into the Dominican Order in May of 2014 with her Final Profession to the Third Order in November of 2018.

She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Edward R. O’Brien (2011) and Helen L. Lathrow (1996), as well as her cherished sister, Maureen O’Brien (2022).

A Memorial Funeral Mass will be on Friday July 18, 2025,  at St. Mary’s Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville, NJ 07834. Following the Mass Sharon’s ashes will be laid to rest in the family plot at Denville Cemetery in Denville, NJ. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ 07834.  Memorial donations can be made in her memory to World Vision by visiting their website here, or through mail to PO Box 70200, Tacoma, WA 98481-0200.

Sharon will be remembered for her brilliant mind, compassionate heart, and unwavering devotion to faith, learning, and service.

**If you were unable to attend Mass, you can watch it anytime through St. Mary's YouTube page or by clicking here.*