Margaret Hilma O'Brien

Margaret Hilma O'Brien, Age 106, long-time teacher and principal of two elementary schools in Davis, passed away in Aptos, CA on September 18, 2016. She was born in Chico, CA on July 12, 1910, and was raised in Roseville. Margaret received her teaching credential from Chico State College in 1932, and taught in several Northern California schools prior to WWII. She interrupted her teaching career to serve in the Civil Air Patrol as a corporal at McClellan Army AFB from 1942 to 1945. After the war, she taught at Wildwood, a one-room school near Dunnigan. In 1947 she moved to Davis to teach in the primary grades. She received her Master's degree and administration credential from Sacramento State College. She was then selected as principal of the newly opened West Davis Elementary School, and in 1963 was the founding principal of Birch Lane Elementary School in East Davis. Margaret remained there until 1969 when she retired to the Aptos area. Her extensive travels included trips to over 90 countries, two trips around the world by ship and a solo trip across America by car. She was a life member of the Soroptimists, and an active member of the Resurrection Catholic Community in Aptos. Although legally blind, she lived alone and remained independent until well after her 100th birthday. Margaret was preceded in death by her sister Edna Cochran and her brother Donald O'Brien. She is survived by her niece Susan Abele and nephew Michael Cochran, grandnieces Ellen Spann and Sharon Meekin, grandnephew, Morgan Abele and their children and grandchildren. A vigil will be held at 7:00 pm at Resurrection Catholic Church on Tuesday September 27, 2016. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 am. Wednesday Sept. 28, 2016 at Resurrection Catholic Church. Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, 6509 Fruitridge Rd., Sacramento, CA on Thursday September 29, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hospice of Santa Cruz County or your favorite charity. To express your sympathies or share a remembrance with Margaret's family please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com.