Katharine Sutherland O'Brien

Katharine Sutherland O'Brien, of 12 Battery Street, Newport, died on February 15, 2014. She was the widow of Donal F. O'Brien, DVM.Born in Whittier, California, on December 21, 1920, she was the daughter of William John Sutherland and Anna Lucile Reed. Her grandfather had brought his family to California from Michigan on the train in 1888 to develop water irrigation systems in Southern California.In 1941, she graduated from Pomona College, where she majored in government. After graduation she moved to Boston and worked in the personnel department at Radcliffe College. She was married on April 16, 1943, to her husband, who was a Captain in the U.S. Army. After the war, Dr. O'Brien established his veterinary practice in Newport and at 1446 Wapping Road in Middletown. Mrs. O'Brien taught second grade for over 20 years at the former Linden School in Middletown, where she greatly influenced the lives of a generation of children, including one of her grandsons. She served as a member of the Middletown Town Charter Commission and the Planning Committee for Middletown High School. She also served as an elector in the Electoral College for the 1956 presidential election.After their retirement, the O'Briens relocated to the Point area of Newport, where Mrs. O'Brien became active in the local community. She was a member of the Point Association and was responsible for organizing the historical records for the Green Light Bulletin for many years. She was also a member of United Congregational Church and P.E.O. International for many years. In addition, she was an avid gardener, reader, and traveler.Her husband predeceased her in 1989. Her daughter, Margaret O'Brien Scott, died on February 17, 2014, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her son-in-law, Richard F. Scott, of Sedona, Arizona; her grandsons, Dr. Christopher D. Scott of San Francisco, California, and Matthew C. Scott of Kona, Hawaii; her sisters, Barbara Kittell of Pomona, California, and Janet Campbell of Wytheville, Virginia; and many nieces and nephews. A brother, Dr. Donald A. Sutherland, also predeceased her.A joint memorial service for Katharine and her daughter will be held at United Congregational Church, 524 Valley Road, Middletown, on Saturday, March 15, at 11 a.m. Burial will be at the Portsmouth Abbey cemetery at a later date.The family requests that memorial gifts be designated for the Community of Caring Fund at Mayo Clinic Arizona in memory of Katharine Sutherland O'Brien: Mayo Clinic Development Department, 13400 East Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85259. Service MAR 15. 11:00 AM United Congregational Church 524 Valley Road Middletown, RI, US, 02842 ucc1695@aol.com http://www.uccmiddletown.com/