Connie O'Brien

Constance Susan O’Brien, 53, of Newton, died Wednesday (October 1, 2014) at her home.

She was born on September 28, 1961 in Topeka, Ks. As a child, Connie moved with her parents, Mary and Paul O’Brien to Newton where she attended local schools. She later lived in Florida and Philadelphia, Pa.

Connie returned to Newton in 1988. She had worked as a waitress at Patty Ryan's in Wichita as well as C.J.’s and Newell's in Newton.

She was a vibrant and fiery woman who was very intelligent and very encouraging of her loved ones. Connie was a hippie at heart and a loyal and true friend. Without trying, she was an excellent cook and a crafty lady. She loved her family and her dog, Dixie, very much.

Survivors include her son Austin Watkins of Fayetteville, Arkansas; daughter Jessica John of Goessel, Ks.; parents Paul & Mary O’Brien of Newton; brothers Michael O’Brien of Newton and Jim O’Brien of Denver, Colo.; sister Teresa O’Brien of New York, N.Y.; grandsons Brody, Brock and Bronx Watkins of Fayetteville, Keegan and Kamber Cole of Goessel.

Connie is preceded in death by an infant son, Larry Alan Near, Jr.

Friends may call at the funeral home Sunday (Oct. 5, 2014) 1:00pm til 8:00pm, where the family will receive friends between 1 and 3pm.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be 10:00am Monday (Oct. 6, 2014) followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newton.

Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.