Berta E. O'Brien (1929-2023) Village Needleworks in Northborough was the place where people came to buy yarn and learn to knit. But, above all, it was a place to congregate, share stories, develop friendships, and support each other through life's difficult moments. At the center of this ever-expanding circle of friends was Berta, who was a wonderful and wise listener, as well as an extraordinary knitter and teacher, who started knitting at the age of eight, taught by one of her many aunts in Marienbad, Czech Republic. Berta's shop proved to be a great source of joy, pride, and friendship. Always the perfectionist, her knitting was well known, and she taught many knitters the "humble stitch." Her knitting friends were like daughters to her, and they stayed by her side until her recent passing. Berta was born in Marienbad in 1929 to Elisabeth "Elly" and Heinrich Jackl. Her family owned a hotel in this resort town, and it is where she developed a love for classical music and opera. At age 16, she fled in the middle of the night to Germany with the aid of a US soldier. Soon after, she became employed as a switchboard operator for the US Army, where she met and eventually married Sargeant Richard V. O'Brien (Westborough native) in Germany and emigrated to the United States in 1950 with their first-born daughter Ingrid Elisabeth Bogel (Steve). Berta became naturalized in 1956. Berta and Richard had three more children: Gail Vera (deceased); Petra Jaye Trunkes (Michael); and Richard Roland O'Brien. In addition, Berta is survived by three grandchildren: Corey A. Bogel, Christopher M. Garofoli, and Sheila M. Cervone (Nicholas), as well as five great-grandchildren: Jackson Garofoli, Matthew Garofoli, Scarlett Garofoli, Sienna Cervone, and Nicolette Cervone. In 1953, Berta survived the Worcester tornado that destroyed her home in Westborough, and thereafter moved into a modest home in Northborough, making lifelong friends in a young neighborhood. Eventually, they moved to a larger home to accommodate their growing family - a home that Berta remained in until her passing. She loved to swim and over the years added an inground pool to her home where she spent much time with family and friends. During this time, she was also an avid Bridge player and Candlepin bowler winning competitions in both. She played Bridge as recently as this summer scoring an elusive 71 with her Bridge partner of over 30 years. Berta and Richard spent many years traveling between Northborough and Maine, where they owned a small cottage and Richard spent the summers chartering his boat for deep sea fishing out of Kennebunkport. In 1990 President George H. W. Bush was summering at his Kennebunkport home and had recently been interviewed where he acknowledged that he didn't enjoy broccoli - which caused a bit of a stir in the news. Berta then proceeded to design and hand knit broccoli golf club covers for the President that were later seen in Press photos. He thanked her with a handwritten letter from the White House. After her husband's death, Berta began to travel extensively, most especially on cruises that she shared with her daughters. She traveled to Hawaii, Western US, Alaska, the Panama Canal, Venezuela, the Caribbean islands, the Azores, Bermuda, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, England, as well as the Baltic nations and St. Petersburg. She loved to see new sights, especially natural beauty. She fully appreciated the landscape of the Northeast, and recently remarked that it was one of the most beautiful places she had seen. Above all, Berta unconditionally loved her children and was proud of them. She saw them each for who they are as individuals and her commitment to them never wavered. Berta died peacefully at the age of 94 on October 22, 2023. Burial is private. Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough was honored to assist the O'Brien family with arrangements. To leave a condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com. Following Berta's request, all services are private, for her family.