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After many months of declining health, Mrs. Brigadier Myrtle O’Brien recently was welcomed into her heavenly home from Beach Cities Transition Hospital, Redondo Beach, Calif.
Myrtle was born to Jesse and Nellie White in 1908, in Los Angeles. Her mother was the corps YPSM and an aunt was the Songster Leader. Two of her aunts, Violet and Alice McAllister, received national recognition for their service as Salvation Army doughnut girls during World War I.
Myrtle was commissioned in 1928 with the Torchbearers Session and was sent to open the Army’s work in Compton, Calif., with no building, soldiers or money. She triumphed with the help of friends.
After appointments in Redondo Beach, Pacific Grove and San Francisco, she married Captain Arnold O’Brien. Together they served on the staff at the Lytton Home and several corps appointments. In 1971 they retired in San Francisco after their final appointment.
Perhaps it was her gift for story telling that helped her put together original programs that would touch people’s hearts. In addition she was always a willing worker, and could of-ten be found in the corps kitchen, cooking or cleaning up.
She enjoyed making new friends after moving to Los Angeles to be closer to family.
She will be missed by her daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Mac Osoff, son and daughter in law, Majors Doug and Diane O’Brien, ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
The funeral and graveside services were held at Cypress Lawn in Colma, Calif. with Major Ed Covert, Hayward corps officer, officiating.
Messages of condolence may be sent to the family in care of Major Doug O’Brien at 5 Crestmont Lane, Rancho Palos Verdes CA 90275.