FRAMINGHAM - Regina C. (Cooney) O'Brien, 84, of Framingham died at home Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010. She was the wife of Edward A. O'Brien, who died in 1990. She was born in Wrentham, the daughter of the late Joseph and Regina (McGarry) Cooney, and was a graduate of the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Fall River, Class of 1944, and later graduated from Regis College, Class of 1948, with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Regina worked for Harvard Medical School for many years where she did research in the field of hibernation. She enjoyed gardening, was a member of St. Bridget's Church for over 50 years, and was a longtime member of the Siberian Husky Club of America. She leaves her sister, Bernardine Hamlin and her husband, George, of Oak Harbor, Wash.; many cousins; and 10 nephews and nieces. She was the sister of the late Joan Gross of Arlington.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 9 a.m., at St. Bridget's Church, 830 Worcester Road, Framingham. Burial will follow in Center Cemetery, corner of East and Dedham Streets, Wrentham. Instead of flowers donations may be made to The Learning Center for the Deaf Inc., 848 Central Street, Framingham, MA 01701 or a charity of donor's choice. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home (www.CollinsFuneral.com), 378 Lincoln Street, Marlborough. All are invited to sign Regina's online guestbook at www.CollinsFuneral.com.