WATERBURY – It is with heavy hearts that the family of Mrs. Margaret “Peggy” R. O’Brien, age 69, of Waterbury, say farewell for now, to our beloved sister, aunt and friend, following her peaceful passing on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Waterbury Hospital. She was the widow of her beloved Frederick J. O’Brien, Jr.

Peggy grew up in the East Mountain section and resided there her whole life. She was the daughter of the late Josephine (Bruscino) Reynolds and George W. Reynolds. Peggy graduated from Wendell Cross Grammar School, Sacred Heart High School, Class of 1974. She received her Special Education teaching degrees from Southern Connecticut State University and University of St. Joseph, a technology education degree from Central Connecticut State University and a school administration certification from Sacred Heart University. A proud Waterbury teacher, she taught special education at various schools but mostly at Wilby High School. She became the first female technology education teacher and Technology Education Department Chair at Crosby High School. Peggy was proud of her work in developing the manufacturing programs in conjunction with area community colleges. She retired in 2013.

Peggy was a proud union member of the Waterbury Teachers Association, serving as building representative at Crosby High School. She was also a past Commissioner of the Waterbury Zoning Board of Appeals, a patron of Waterbury Symphony Orchestra, past member of the Board of Directors, Waterbury Youth Service System, past Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Waterbury Up Committee, past Chairperson and Commissioner of The Mayor’s Council on Culture of Waterbury and a past member of Waterbury Jaycees. Her distinctions and accomplishments in her field include; presenting at Connecticut Learns and Works, Partnering Technology with Career Success, member of Epsilon Pi Tau, International Honor Fraternity in Technology, Alpha- ETA Chapter, Central Connecticut State University and a graduate of Greater Waterbury Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Waterbury Alumni Association, Class of 1989.

Peggy was so very proud of her Irish- Italian heritage. She was a long-time member of the Waterbury LAOH #66 and served as president for three years. She chaired the annual Waterbury, St. Patrick’s Day Parade and was honored as Waterbury Irish Mayor of the Day for 2 years due to the Covid Pandemic- 2020 & 2021! In retirement, Peggy became a prolific artist. She traveled and spent most days at her happy place in the sun on Cape Cod.

Peggy leaves behind her beloved sisters: Mary Ellen Massimo (Tom) and JoAnn Reynolds- Balanda (Dick) and beloved nieces and nephew: Jennifer M. MacDonald (Toby), Ann Marie M. Martone (Tony), William R. Balanda (Cathy) and Bridget Balanda (Alex). She also leaves behind her cherished grand nephews and nieces: Owen and Alec MacDonald, Anthony, Joey, and Mia Martone, Julia and Eli Balanda and Elora Mitchell. The family would like to extend special thanks and heartfelt recognition to her beloved friends and family for all their support and kindness they showed Peggy during this most difficult journey.

Funeral services for Mrs. O’Brien will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 74 West Main Street, Waterbury. Those planning to attend are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will be held at the convenience of her family, and there are no calling hours. Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT, 06705, has been honored to assist the O’Brien family during this most difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you honor Peggy’s memory and donate to the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra; https://waterbury-symphony-orchestra.square.site/product/wso-donate/11 , to LAOH Scholarship Fund or your local food bank. In this time of reflection, the family welcomes all who knew and loved Peggy to share messages of condolence, comfort, and cherished memories. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to connect with the family or honor their loved one’s memory with messages to the family or other gifts of condolence.