Rosalie J. O'Brien, 70, of Black River, passed on January 17, 2016 at the Jefferson County Hospice Residence after a courageous battle with cancer.

A Funeral Mass will be said 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21st at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Black River.  Burial will follow in the Black River Cemetery.

Calling hours will be 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20th at the Bruce Funeral Home, Black River.

She was born on April 2, 1945 in Rochester, NY, daughter of Kenneth and Florence (Palmer) Petersen.  She graduated from Madison High School in Rochester and following her graduation she moved to Black River.

She married James P. O'Brien on May 7, 1966 at the St. Paul's Catholic Church.  The couple resided in Black River where she worked for the Robert G. Relph Insurance Agency for many years. Her husband Jim retired from Champion International Paper Co., in DeFeriet.

Rosalie loved spending time with her family and helping family and friends in need.  She was an avid supporter of St. Jude's Children's Research.

She was a former member and President of the Black River Fire Department Women's Auxiliary.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, James P. O'Brien; two sons and their wives, James and Lisa O'Brien Jr., Adams Center, Barry and DeAnnia O'Brien, NC; a daughter and son in law, Tarra and Bryan Benson, Black River; 11 grandchildren, Alyssa, Bryan Jr., Courtney, Antonio, Michaela, Wyatt, Kathleen, James, Hunter, Colt, and Henry; a great grandchild is expected in July; three brothers and a sister in law, Robert and Marion Relph, FL, William Petersen, New Mexico, Richard Petersen, FL; a sister, Anne Weidler, FL; several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents a brother, Johnathon Petersen and a sister Mary Tarbox died before her.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice of Jefferson County 1398 Gotham St., Watertown or to St. Jude's Children's Research.

Online condolences may be made at www.brucefh.com