Laila B. O'Brien

Laila B O’Brien

On Tuesday January 13th, 2026, the world lost a bright light, a devoted mother, grandmother, wife and dear friend to so many at the age of 83.

Laila was born on March 31, 1942, in Bay Ridge Brooklyn to Odny and Oscar Berntsen. Growing up in a predominantly Norwegian neighborhood provided life with an abundance of ethnic foods centered around fishes and pastries. Laila became a sig sister at the age of 5 to her younger brother Tommy. Laila had many girlfriends her age who helped Laila raise her little brother as their father passed at a young age. Bay Ridge was a very tight nit community that provided Laila with the foundation of what would become her sisterhood with a good number of dear friends that she has until this very day.. Laila’s younger years are what was typical of young girls growing up in Brooklyn, days were filled with playing games such as hopscotch, hide and go seek and flashlight tag to name a few. As Laila got into her middle and high school years at Fort Hamilton, she loved to attend school dances where cutting up the rug with her friends (and the boys) was something Laila loved to do. Laila went on to graduate High School then immediately accepted a position with a Telephone Company based in New York City.

A few years out of High School Laila met the love of her life on a blind date set up by dear friends Myrna and John Draghi. The two were inseparable from that point on out for another 64 years!! It wasn’t too long before Laila and Mike had their first of three children, a girl who they named Suzanne. Not to be outdone by his sister the “Irish Twin” Michael was born just 10 months after Suzanne. This event pushed the couple into deciding to buy a house on Long Island since the One Bedroom in Brooklyn was just too small. It’s a good thing because a few years later Laila gave birth to her second son, William. With husband Mike getting his business going with dear friend Frank Ventrone Laila was busy raising the kids. When things got a bit hectic Laila was known to spend time at Ceramics class with a few of her friends. She also enjoyed bowling with the ladies and enjoying their cocktails. Soon the O’Brien house became a museum of sorts with Laila’s ceramics all over the home!!!

The O’Brien home became a welcoming spot for many get togethers for family and friends. And, if you happened to spend the night you can bet your bottom dollar that Laila would be at the stove making however many “Norwegian pancakes” that it took to feed the company. With Elvis Presley playing from the stereo (Laila’s favorite by a long shot) many a great memory was created on the back deck and in the pool. Laila would always supply an abundance of food and drink while Mike cooked at the BBQ grill. Some parties were naturally better than others, but one thing was for sure you were always greeted with a smile by Laila, and she was genuinely happy to entertain all the family’s friends and family.

Laila’s childhood friends were like most people have never seen. From the time Laila was a toddler to the time of her passing Laila was either of the phone chatting about days gone by and or about current family events. In the summers the “girls” with their spouses, were often out at Laila’s house enjoying what some would consider a few too many cocktails. These parties would create many a fond memory for all those involved. Laila often referred to Noel Riersen, Myrna Draghi, Beadie Solaas, Alice Gay and Lorainne Melsom as her sisters. These childhood friends were so close that all the respective children referred to each as Aunt so and so. They have been there with each other thru thick and thin. Many an outsider would comment on how wonderful their lifelong friendship was.

Laila was an active member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church regularly attending for 50+ consecutive years. Laila donated many hours and financial resources to the Church that she beloved. The most recent and retired Pastor was Pastor Reggie. She was a wonderful lady who Laila would say, “gets it”.

Laila will always be remembered for being a bright and always smiling star. Her compassion and love for her family was second to none. Whether it be guiding Suzanne thru Girl Scouts or Candy Stripers or providing words of encouragement to Michael on the Baseball Diamond or to Billy on the Lacrosse field Laila was always there to support… She will be very missed by so many…