Barbara Freggens O’Brien

November 23, 1942 - March 8, 2026

Facebook

mass

Good Shepherd Catholic Church

8710 Mount Vernon Hwy

Alexandria, VA 22309

(703) 780-4055 |

Friday 3/27, 10:30 am

Barbara Freggens O’Brien of Mount Vernon, VA, known to many as “Bobbie,” passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, at the age of 83.

Born on November 23, 1942, in New Brunswick, NJ, Barbara was preceded in death by her mother, Eva Baier (Dec. 1942). She was raised by her devoted grandmother, Blanche Virginia Wood, and her aunts, Blanche and Marge Baier, surrounded by the love and support of the extended Baier family. Their guidance and care shaped the caring spirit and generous heart, which defined Barbara throughout her life.

Barbara was a proud 1964 graduate of Hope College in Holland, MI. Early in her career, she worked on Capitol Hill for a Michigan Congressman (Delaney), an experience she cherished and often spoke about. Later, she became a beloved member of the community at Gunston Elementary School, where her kindness, warmth, and friendship touched the lives of students, families, and colleagues alike.

Barbara shared 52 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Daniel “Dan” Anthony O’Brien, who passed away on March 8, 2019. Together they shared a remarkable life filled with love, friendship, faith and deep pride in their family.

She is survived by her two sons, Daniel Anthony O’Brien III (Lori) of Cary, NC , and Rory Patrick O’Brien (Kelly) of Mt. Lebanon, PA. She was the adored grandmother of Colin Michael, Owen Patrick, Jack Cameron, and Quin Nolan, who brought her immense pride and joy. Barbara spent countless hours watching all of them compete on the pitch, ice, court and field. She delighted in her many ‘grand-dogs,’ whom she spoiled with toys and treats.

Barbara had a love for travel, all things New Jersey, a passion for reading, and like her sons, she was an enthusiastic supporter of the Washington Capitals. She was a Mt. Vernon resident for 50 years and remained an active participant in the community. Above all else, she treasured time spent with her family and the many dear friends who enriched her life.

She will be remembered for her warmth, loyalty, opinions, and the deep love she had for those around her. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the countless memories shared by those who loved her.

The mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30am on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria, VA. Family will receive friends at 10:00am for visitation at the church, followed by a reception after the mass. Interment will be in New Brunswick, NJ at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Good Shepherd Housing. Online guestbook at www.novacremate.com

Nikki Price

Jane M. Stephenson

Marc & Ann Okner

John Thomas Peak

The Kessler family

Light a candle

Good Shepherd Catholic Church

8710 Mount Vernon Hwy

Alexandria, VA 22309

(703) 780-4055 | Map

Friday 3/27, 10:30 am

Send Flowers & Gifts

Barbara Freggens O’Brien of Mount Vernon, VA, known to many as “Bobbie,” passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on November 23, 1942, in New Brunswick, NJ, Barbara was preceded in death by her mother, Eva Baier (Dec. 1942). She was raised by her devoted grandmother, Blanche Virginia Wood, and her aunts, Blanche and Marge Baier, surrounded by the love and support of the extended Baier family.Continue Reading

See Condolences

I am so very sorry for your loss. My mother, Ivanka Antolin, and I sat right in front of Dan and Barbara at the 9 o'clock Mass at Good Shepherd for many years. It was a great joy to see them, pray with them, and hear about their travelling adventures. After Dan's death, Barbara often went to Mass on Saturday evening, so we saw less of her, and even less when my mother could no longer travel to church. We did exchange texts with photos and notes. I pray for all of the family; she was so very proud of you all and regaled us with stories of her visits. A great loss to the community, but I am comforted to know that she is supervising us from heaven.

My family and I met Barbara through church years ago and remained close. She was a special lady that always came around to talk and keep up with everyone. She was a very active person. She would sometimes turn up at the house with a plant because she was a very generous and caring person. I was travelling when she passed away and I am so sorry I missed her service. All my love to her family. She bragged about you and her grandchildren endlessly! She was clearly very proud of all of you. I was thrilled to know her. She certainly will be missed.

Barbara was a wonderful friend to me at Gunston Elementary School for many years. We kept in touch even after our retirement. The bond that we all had at Gunston was very special from the beginning. We had parties, happy hours, Irish soda bread, chocolate cheesecake, rum cake, Hayfield basketball games, breakfasts, giving candy for perfect report card entries, Gone With the Wind plates transported to Georgia and the list goes on! We will miss you Barbara!
attachment

In memory of Barbara Freggens O’Brien, Nikki Price lit a candle

Our memories of Barbara will always be with us. She was such a kind, helpful, and loving woman. We will always remember when she and Dan stopped in South Carolina to have a soul-food dinner with us. We pray for peace and comfort for the O’Brien family. Leon and Lois Bright

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I light a candle in Loving Memory of Barbara whose passion, caring and loyalty touched so many lives including mine as a co-worker at Gunston Elementary. Though she is no longer with us, her love and the warmth she brought to others will never be forgotten, her memory lives on in every heart she helped to lift.

Our Deepest Sympathy and Prayers to her sons and family on hearing of Barbara's passing. We enjoyed having Barbara and Dan visit us here in SW Florida and our visit with them in Alexandria. It was her Dan who had a party to get my husband and I together. We are married 59 years. Dan was my husband's roommate at University of Michigan. Together they are in Eternal Peace. God Bless All. Frank and Ann Ragonese

In memory of Barbara Freggens O’Brien, Marc & Ann Okner lit a candle

I have the fondest memories of Bobbie and Dan. We socialized as young married couples in Washington, D.C. many years ago and Bobbie and I both worked in the office of Congressman Wm. S. Broomfield, R-Michigan. Whenever Bobbie and Dan passed through S. Florida, we met for dinner. Bobbie and I kept in touch by phone and text several times a year and always on our birthdays. I did not know she was unwell and I’m saddened by this omission on my part. Always so very proud of her family. Bobbie will be greatly missed.

In memory of Barbara Freggens O’Brien, John Thomas Peak lit a candle

Barbara was a wonderful and loyal friend. We met in the late Fall of 1978 and never lost touch. I have many happy memories of Barbara and Dan, as of Blanche and Marge. I treasure a picture of Barbara and myself, taken outside a North Carolina hotel on the morning of Danny's wedding. Her sense of humour was wonderful and she had an opinion about everything! Losing her will be very hard for the younger generations of the family. Tomorrow (Saturday), I will offer Mass for Barbara and for all who mourn her passing. May her dear soul rest in peace and rise in glory!

Thank you,, Barbara, for sharing all your joy and goodwill with us. May God bless you and your loved ones.

I had the pleasure of meeting your mom at Colin's high school graduation and spent some time chatting with her. Both Ann and I send you and your family our heartfelt condolences.

Our hearts are with friends and family of Barbara O'Brien during this time. We remember her fondly, and we send our deepest condolences.

Barbara was a tremendous mother and grandmother, and I am grateful to have called her my mother-in-law for 27 years. She will be missed immensely and I know she and Dan are smiling down on all of us with great pride and many memories!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.