Virginia O'Brien

MADISON - Virginia "Ginny" Rose O'Brien, age 89, danced her way into eternal life on Monday, June 22, 2015. Ginny was born on May 10, 1926 in Madison, WI to Arthur and Lucille Swenson, she was the eldest of 6 children. She graduated from Madison Central High School and soon there after became an "army bride." Ginny married the love of her life, Marvin R. O'Brien, and raised a family of 5 children. She was employed at St. Mary's Hospital as a switchboard operator retiring after 30 years. Ginny's passion in life was singing a variety of musical styles, mainly jazz. Ginny also taught ballroom dance in the Madison area for many years. She was also a member of the Dane County Shamrock Club and was a fixture at the Avenue Bar on Monday nights for 2 decades with the Avenue Sizzlers. Ginny's most cherished accomplishments in life were her many hours spent singing/volunteering at the area senior centers and centers for the disabled. Her kind spirit and smile will always be remembered. Ginny is survived by her children Patrick (Jan), Stephen (Karen), Kevin (Patricia), Shawn (Jane) and Maureen (Michael) Maloney; 16 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; siblings, Paul "Corky" Swenson and Arline Mickelson and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Marvin in 1991; and siblings, Gehardt "Gary" Swenson, Grace Long, and Phyllis Gillette. A service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 26, 2015 at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison. A visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until time of service on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. The family would like to thank the staff at The Karmenta Center for their wonderful care and compassion, your kindness will always be remembered. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Madison Alzheimer's Association or a charity of your choice.