Mackenzie O'Brien

 Mackenzie O'Brien, 22, of Pottsville, passed away on Tuesday September 18^th, 2018 at home.

Mackenzie was born in Pottsville, PA on May 23, 1996 to Neal O'Brien and Laurie Murphy.

Mackenzie was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Ronald Murphy; paternal grandmother, Wanda J. O'Brien; uncle and godfather, Ronald Murphy Jr.; aunt, Pam O'Brien; cousin, Lauren Murphy; and cousin, Brian Laudeman. 

In addition to her parents, Neal and companion Stef, Laurie and husband Scott, Mackenzie is survived by her brother and fiance, Shane and Loren; her buddy Gunnar; grandfather, Thomas O'Brien; grandmother, Carol Murphy; uncle and aunt, Jim and Jo O'Brien; uncle, Dave O'Brien and companion Peggy;  aunt, Karen (Murphy) Ecker; uncle and aunt, Godfather Kenny and Erin Murphy; cousins: Drew and Ian Murphy; Luke Murphy, Ian and Zach Bitting, Kailee Purcell; Jimmy, Monica, Eila, Quin, and Godson Rowan O'Brien; Godmother Jen (O'Brien), Cali and Colt Laudeman; Mike, Lauren, Ethan, and Emerson O'Brien; Joe and Katie (O'Brien) Ritter. 

Mackenzie was a 2014 graduate of Minersville Area High School, where she achieved numerous scholastic and extra-curricular accomplishments including continuously being named to the Honor Roll, member of the National Honor Society, recipient of the Jenkins scholarship, captain and standout player of the varsity volleyball team, member of the cross country (or “cross walking”) team, tech crew, chemistry club, prom committee, Peer Educator, SADD, TAT, volunteer with the American Red Cross, and  Alex's Lemonade Stand.

Currently, Mackenzie was a senior at Elizabethtown College majoring in Early Childhood (Elementary and PK-4) education.  During her time at Elizabethtown, Mackenzie was a Dean's List student, a previous member of the women's volleyball team, and a member of the Newman Club, NSTA, an advocate for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and EdOrg. 

Previously, Mackenzie was employed at Little Beans Preschool (where her desire to become a teacher began), YMCA Summer Camp, JB Cable company, babysitting, Smiles.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Minersville, with Father Christopher M. Zelonis officiating.  Friends are respectfully invited to attend a visitation from 7 a.m.- 10 a.m. Saturday at the church.  Internment will immediately follow at Mount Peace Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Mackenzie O'Brien Scholarship Fund at the Minersville Area School District,  Alex's Lemonade Stand at www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/1565575 or a charity of your choice, donations will also be accepted at the funeral home.  Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, Minersville is entrusted with the arrangements.

Family, friends, showing kindness, and being adventurous were all a big part of Mackenzie's life.  She was always there to help others with kind words and even more thoughtful actions such as being a blood and organ donor.  Her adventurous side led her to the outdoors whether it was hiking, hunting, kayaking, or swimming at her favorite spot “the cannonball.”  Mackenzie traveled to Nicaragua to teach underprivileged children with OUTREACH.  Nothing was more important to Mackenzie than family and she always made time for them.  She was the best “Big Cousin” always spending time with her younger ones showing up at their activities, asking about school, baking and just having fun together.  Mackenzie's passing has no doubt left a heartbreaking void, however in her short time on Earth she made time to be kind and spread love across the spectrum, we ask you to BE KIND today and everyday in her memory. To offer condolences to the family or to light a candle in Mackenzie’s memory, visit us at www.donaldjbutlerfh.com

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