Lillian O’Brien passed away on May 30, 2016 at her home in Chestnut Hill after a long illness. She would have been 80 in July. Born in Philadelphia, she attended Germantown High School, Arcadia University and Hahnemann University. Lillian, known to her family and friends as “Snooki,” was married for 52 years to the late William J. O’Brien, who at the time of his death in 2012, was Chairman Emeritus and founding partner of the Philadelphia law firm Conrad O’Brien. Before founding Conrad O’Brien he was a long-time partner at Pepper Hamilton. Lillian is survived by her son William J. O’Brien Jr. of Philadelphia and Nancy Weidner (John) of Annandale, N.J. and two granddaughters, Bernice Lillian O’Brien (Dan Radthorne) of Lexington, Va., and Grace Weidner. She was the sister of the late Harold (“Pud”) Cunning (Joan) of Sellersville, Pa. and a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews. Lillian was the daughter of the late Harold H. Cunning and Lillian Imler Cunning of Philadelphia. Lillian was an avid supporter of the visual arts and spent decades creating artwork of all kinds, including painting, sculpture, graphic arts, interior design and photography. In 1986, after earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Arcadia University (then Beaver College) she continued to create and build relationships in the arts community. She earned her Masters Degree in Art Therapy from Hahnemann University and enjoyed teaching and sharing her passion with others, especially her young students. Lillian was a strong supporter of the “Girls Color the World” project of the Talita Kum Foundation (“Little girls, arise!”) In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made by a check to Immaculate Conception Church, 316 Old Allerton Road, Annandale, NJ 08801 with a note designating the donation for the Talita Kum Foundation. A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 3, at 10 a.m. at the following location. Interment will be private. Jacob F. Ruth Funeral Home; 8413 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118.
