Kathryn Ely O'Brien

Kathryn Ely O’Brien of Indianapolis, IN passed away at age 95 with family members by her side on January 10th, 2021. A Requiem Mass Service will be held February 5th at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, at 1:00pm (7575 Holliday Dr. E., Indianapolis, IN). Many family members will be wearing Colts Football attire and/or colors in her honor! All are welcome to attend @ St. Luke’s where COVID protocols will be in place.

Kathryn was born in Jeannette, PA to John Mack Ely and Alice (Weyman) Ely. She graduated from Shortridge HS of Indianapolis in 1943. She was the president of S.K.I.D. for 2 years as well as Shorty Club member.

For College she attended the University of Arizona. She bravely rode a train alone in the 1940’s and headed toward her beloved mountains and sunshine. She was a Kappa Alpha Theta sorority member at U of A and just received her 75-year sorority pin!

On May 17th, 1952 she married (her comic sidekick and partner to life) Thomas A. O’Brien, Jr. of Phoenix, Arizona at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Indianapolis. They started their married life in Phoenix, Arizona but moved several years later to their forever home in the city of Indianapolis, IN.

Her professional life was spent as a secretary and the co-owner of Dental Medical Management, with her husband. This dynamic duo took great pride in helping dentists improve the financial side of their dental practices all over our country.

Katie was a devote catholic at St. Luke’s Catholic Church. She could be found in the 2nd pew every Sunday straightening the hymnal’s red bookmark as she listened to the sermon each week. Every family member wanting to join her for mass knew exactly where to find her, all you had to do was look for the lady with the white hair in the 2nd row. On her final day, Katie held on long enough to receive her last rites at St. V’s Hospital.

Katie loved her Colt’s Football. She did not want to be interrupted when the Colts were playing. She even had a special “Colt’s” folder she referenced when watching them play. After retirement, Katie spent time with friends and neighbors playing bridge. She also loved playing rummy with family, she often said it was “to keep her brain sharp”. These games got quite lively as she was known to win! She never missed a 5:00pm cocktail hour and it was happily shared with family and friends. Vodka and water with a splash of lime was her cocktail of choice. Katie’s laughter, her witty sayings, desire to connect with each person, and her captivating smile was everything. She truly was the center of our family and she wore her matriarch hat well.

Her white hair was always striking in an up-do as well as her iconic image. She dressed immaculately and often in pastels with the perfect piece of jewelry to match. Having her lipstick on in public was ever so important and she often reminded us of its importance too! She was our “Grammar Police” who never missed a moment to correct us when not speaking proper grammar. She was beautiful and strong, kind but firm, she loved her family and friends fiercely, and simply put was everything to many of us.

She answered to many names which were Kathryn, Katie, Kate, Mom, Gram, GG, and Aunt Katie. She was a “second mother” to many. Her door was always open, and she provided temporary housing when necessary to anyone. She was a true friend, the BEST listener, the underdog advocate, and solid advice-giver.

Her “Beau” (husband Tom O’Brien) preceded her in death in 1991. Katie was also preceded in death by her parents, beloved brother John W. Ely, and her cherished sister Patricia Ely Getz. The vigor, love, and orneriness toward life were proudly shared by all three of these dynamic siblings.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her survivors. Her (3) children; Patricia E. O’Brien (William R. Kincaid), Thomas A. O’Brien, III, Peggy Apter (Gary). Her Seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She leaves behind many more including nieces and nephews who all adored their Aunt Katie.