Mary O’Brien, 31

HILLSBORO — Mary O’Neill (Selling) O’Brien, 31 years old, who resided in Laconia for most of her life, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Sept. 17, at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, following a stroke suffered three days earlier while visiting with her parents at their home in Laconia.

Mary was the devoted wife of Timothy O’Brien, Esq., to whom she had been married almost five years, and the loving mother of Tim, almost 4, Jehanne "Gigi," 20 months, and Louise "Lulu," 10 months. Having recently relocated from Connecticut, Mary was in the process of enthusiastically creating a new home for their growing family in Hillsboro.

Mary was home-schooled from first grade through the end of high school and then attended the University of New Hampshire, where she majored in pre-veterinary medicine, with a focus on genetics and reproduction, especially for horses, for which she had a special affection. She obtained her BS from UNH in May 2014. She was an avid alpine ski racer at Waterville Valley Ski Resort, a singer at her church and a dressage horseback rider. Additionally, Mary obtained a real estate license in New Hampshire in 2015, and also developed a career in modeling. Her flowing, lush, red hair and radiant smile marked her for distinction as a model.

Persevering and strong, Mary was admired for her physical endurance and pain tolerance. She found joy in pushing herself physically, especially during her running routine.

Her love of God and devotion to her Catholic faith was in complete and total harmony with how she lived each day with an optimistic and playful spirit. It showed her love for her husband and her wholehearted care of her children. Even with her busy home life, Mary always found time to spend with her grandmother, parents and extended families. She exuded kindness and consideration for countless people with ease, and a focus on the good in the present and hope for the future.

Mary leaves behind her mom and dad, Thomas and Janet Selling; an older brother, Shane and his fiancé, Alicia Singley; and her 93 year old grandmother, Stella A. O’Neill, all of Laconia.

Mary also leaves behind many members of her husband’s family, her father and mother-in-law, Dr. Richard O’Brien and Anne O’Brien; brothers, Seamus and wife Mallory, and their five children; Jonathan and wife Julia, and their six children; Ben and wife Hannah and their three children; and Michael; sisters, Molly and her fiancé, Ben Spanos; Susannah and husband, John Clarke and their four children; Colleen and husband, Cader Coleman and their child; Grace O’Brien; grandmother, Joan O’Brien; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Public calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., on Friday, Sept. 22, at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH 03246.

A Mass of Christian Burial is private and limited to relatives of Tim and Mary O'Brien only. The family asks that you allow them this time to be with their relatives in prayer for Mary.

Those members of the public wishing to participate in the funeral procession tribute are asked to arrive at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, between noon and 12:30 p.m., on Saturday, Sept. 23.

The procession will lead to a graveside service at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Garfield Street, Laconia, for those wishing to come.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.