Class of 1980
Maryalice (Healy) O’Brien-Smith of Troy and Guilderland, passed away on her 91st birthday, May 8, after a long illness – a true circle of life!
Born in Troy, NY, she was the daughter of Francis A. and Loretta (Kavanaugh) Healy. She was salutatorian of Troy High School, Class of 1950. In 1949, Maryalice won a city wide contest to name the first housing development post WW2 in Troy. The entry she submitted honored Troy, NY founding father, John A. Griswold. Thus Griswold Heights was created.
Maryalice graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Russell Sage College and a master of arts degree from SUNY Albany. She taught high school social studies at Troy High School from 1954 to 1988. With the upgrade to automated class scheduling in the early 1970s, Maryalice would become known as “MA O’Brien” to two generations of Troy High students. She was President of the Troy Teachers Association from 1985-1988.
In retirement, Maryalice was active in the local labor movement; AARP lobbying of the NYS legislature; and a variety of church and community choral groups.
She is survived by her daughter, Laurel O’Brien Dawson of Radcliff, KY; her granddaughter, Katie Dawson (Trey Norris) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; a stepdaughter, Claire (David) Smith of Brussels, Belgium; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Paul W. O’Brien; by her husband of 14 years, Owen E. Smith Jr.; by her daughter, Sheila Mary O’Brien; by her son, Frank J. O’Brien as well as her parents.