Shirley A. O’Brien, 93, of Portland and summer resident of Round Pond, passed away peacefully on Feb. 9. She was born in Auburn on June 8, 1917, the daughter of the late Sherwood and Theresa (Libby) Smith. Mrs. O’Brien attended Auburn schools and graduated from Edward Little High, class of 1935.
Mrs. O’Brien was a professional dancer and beautician. She was well known for her dancing locally as well as with the Northern New England Dance Group. She studied under Harry Demuth for acrobatics, Carlos for tap and modern and Arthur Murray for ballroom. She attended beauty culture school in Rochester, N.Y. She managed Van Vonabelt beauty parlor in Nantucket, Mass., Fred the Hair Stylist in Winchester, Mass. and the Eastland Hotel in Portland. She also taught hairdressing at the Golden Beauty School.
Mrs. O’Brien was a lifetime member of the Eastern Star Deering Chapter #59, the Vesper Rebekkah Lodge #110 of Round Pond and a member of the Woodfords Club.
She is survived by her sons, Edward F. O’Brien and wife Paula, Jack S. O’Brien and wife Cheryl, Stephen W. O’Brien and wife Diane; granddaughters, Lindsay and Kristin; grandsons, Geoffrey L. and Alan; and great-grandchildren, Macy Katzianer, Damon Katzianer and Liam O’Brien.
Prayers will be said privately in the Oak Hill Cemetery in New Auburn.
Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Mrs. O’Brien’s guest book.
