Virginia Lee (Gilmore) O’Brien died with family by her side on March 20, 2025, just under two years after her husband of almost 55 years, John Joseph O’Brien, Jr. 

  Virginia was born in Kittery, Maine to loving parents Jason and Kathleen Gilmore, who she was very close to. Virginia graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in zoology and was a lab assistant in Boston before marrying and moving to Dahlgren, Virginia. Her life’s work was her three daughters, who she supported unconditionally for 50 years. She cared deeply for her grandchildren and worked hard to truly know them so they would feel how important they were to her. She celebrated their milestones and cherished time spent with them. Virginia had a love for learning and deep curiosity about the world—from nature, to politics, to weather, to history. But what she’ll be most remembered for was her kindness towards people, animals, and even bugs, which she always trapped and released instead of squishing.  

  She leaves behind Kristine, Amy, and Katie, her 3 daughters who thought the world of her; 2 sons-in-law, Corey and Michael; 8 grandchildren, Jack, Justin, Ella, Quinton, Disu, Naka, Lane, and Lily; her beloved brother, Bob; many in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews; and dear long-time neighbors who were her family away from home.  

  Her memorial service and burial will take place in Amesbury, MA, on April 12. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the King George Animal Rescue League at https://www.kgarl.org.