Vera "Alvie" O'Brien

Vera “Alvie” O’Brien departed this life quietly on Monday, May 10, 2021, with her children by her side. She came into the world with fireworks on New Year’s Eve 1926, in Dover, Ohio to lMary (Tornabene) and Frank Lagatta, Italian immigrants from Palermo, Sicily and Bussi, Abruzzo, respectively.

Alvie attended St. Joseph School for 12 years, and upon graduating from high school she embarked on what would be her life’s passion. She attended Timken Mercy School of Nursing and later completed graduate studies at the University of Chicago. Alvie was born to be a nurse. With her heart of gold, upbeat spirit and nurturing soul, her career spanned 50 years of caring for each patient with her own brand of compassion and warmth. She spent many years of her nursing career at Union Hospital, as Dr. Comella’s right-hand person, and at Park Village Health Care Center. Her extended family of cousins, aunt, uncles, nieces and nephews in Dover shared a common saying, “Don’t call 911 - call Alvie!” Through decades of births, illnesses, broken bones, and other medical emergencies, she was the first responder, no matter what time of day or night. Alvie loved her family and she loved being a nurse.

Alvie and her husband Jim owned and operated O’Brien’s Restaurant in Dover for several years. It was just another way for Alvie to express her love of people, entertaining and fun! With a dining room, bar, and banquet room, she was constantly busy. Many of the employees kept in touch with Alvie long after it closed its doors and she loved “her boys” Daniels and Rinehart who often entertained in the bar and for private parties. She was one of their most loyal groupies for many years to follow!

Alvie lived her life with the simple yet profound formula of Family, Friends, Faith and Fun. She was a lifetime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a participant in a 40- year Bridge Club with wonderfully hilarious friends who shared more of life than just cards. Through all, her family came first and she made sure that her children had dance and music lessons with lots of loving support. She was the best mom! Her goodness, joy and love will illuminate the universe.

Alvie was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, James Daniel O’Brien, her parents, her brothers and their wives Louie (Dolly) Lagatta, and Ernie (Jean) Lagatta; and many aunts, uncles and cousins whom she adored.

She will be incredibly missed by her son Tim (Pam) O’Brien; daughter Maureen O’Brien and her husband Michael Prickett; grandchildren Randi (Josh) Keene, Bridget (Dillon) Keane, and Riley O’Brien; and great grandchildren, Reece and Jaxson Keene and Kirby, Millie and Connor Keane.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staffs of Sunrise and Bickford of Worthington who loved and cared for Alvie for 8 years of her journey through Alzheimer’s. Also, gratitude goes to the amazing Heartland Hospice nurses, especially Anne, for 4 years of guidance, love and peace-of-mind.

Due to COVID-19, calling hours will be family only on Tuesday May 18th from 11:30 -1:00 followed by a private Mass and graveside service. Masks and social distancing protocol will be followed. Please share memories and condolences by visiting the Obituaries link on the Toland-Herzig website.

The family suggests that contributions in Alvie’s memory be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, 70 W. Streetsboro St., No. 201, Hudson, Ohio 44236, or to a food pantry of the donor's choice.