Maria O'Brien

Maria I. O'Brien, 68, of Rockton, Illinois joined her Heavenly Father on Monday, February 19, 2024. She was born September 20, 1955 in Rockton, Illinois the daughter of Peter and Nancie (Ketchum) Pepitone. Maria graduated from Hononegah High School class of 1973. She married Gregory F. O'Brien on April 4, 2008 in Rockford.

Maria was employed as a veterinarian assistant by Beloit Animal Hospital in South Beloit, Illinois for many years until retiring. She continued to volunteer with the hospital thereafter retirement in order to satisfy her passion for providing care for animals. She was a lifelong member of Saint Peter Catholic Church in South Beloit, Illinois. Maria enjoyed billiards, playing bingo, bowling, playing Yahtzee and slot machines, but more importantly, spending time with friends and family. Her grandchildren along with her great-grandchildren held a very special place in her heart.

Survivors include her husband, Greg; children, Randy (Natasha) Jacobson of Beloit, Wisconsin, Chanda (Armando) Flores of Loves Park, Illinois and Felicia (Ken) Brinkman of Machesney Park, Illinois; siblings, Jerry Pepitone of Rock Island, Washington, JoAnn Zuck of Rockford, Illinois, Josh Pepitone of Schaumburg, Illinois and Jeanine Wilson of Rockford, Illinois; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; dear friends Tim Canfield and Kim Broach along with her dog, Princess and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Nancie; sister, Nancie Scheibly; long-time friends, Kelly Jones and Lori Amato; several aunts, uncles and grandparents.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in McCorkle Funeral Home - Rockton Chapel, 767 N. Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton, Illinois, 61072.