Obituary

Constance Susan O'Brien, 53, of Newton, died Wednesday (Oct. 1, 2014) at her home.

She was born on Sept. 28, 1961, in Topeka. As a child, Connie moved with her parents, Mary and Paul O'Brien to Newton, where she attended local schools. She later lived in Florida and Philadelphia.  Connie returned to Newton in 1988. She worked as a waitress at Patty Ryan's in Wichita, as well as C.J.'s and Newell's in Newton.  She was a vibrant and fiery woman who was very intelligent and very encouraging of her loved ones. Connie was a hippie at heart and a loyal and true friend. Without trying, she was an excellent cook and a crafty lady. She loved her family and her dog, Dixie, very much.

Survivors include her son, Austin Watkins of Fayetteville, Arkansas; daughter, Jessica John of Goessel; parents, Paul and Mary O'Brien of Newton; brothers, Michael O'Brien of Newton and Jim O'Brien of Denver, Colorado; sister, Teresa O'Brien of New York, New York; and grandsons, Brody, Brock and Bronx Watkins of Fayetteville, and Keegan and Kamber Cole of Goessel.  Connie was preceded in death by an infant son, Larry Alan Neer Jr.

Friends may call at the funeral home Sunday (Oct. 5, 2014) from 1 until 8 p.m., where the family will receive friends between 1 and 3 p.m.  Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be 10 a.m. Monday (Oct. 6, 2014) followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Newton.  Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.