Helen E. O'Brien

Helen E. O'Brien, MSN, RN, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2011 surrounded by her friends and loved ones at Alta Vista Regional Hospital. Helen was born in Cambridge, MA on February 20, 1919 and was the only child of Joseph and Katherine O'Brien. She was raised in Boston and Center Sandwich, MA area. She received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing from Simmons University. She later received a Masters in Nursing from Boston University. In 1946 she moved to Northern New Mexico where she began her nursing career. From 1947 until 1950 she was the Public Health Nurse in Taos County. She moved to Wyoming where she continued to work as a public health nurse for four years. Returning to Northern New Mexico in 1958 she became a pioneer in public health, serving Districts 5 and 2 (Guadalupe, Colfax, Mora, and San Miguel Counties.) Many of the health care programs in New Mexico were established by Ms. O'Brien or with her help. Helen then became the first full-time Health Officer for District 5, working with Dr. Waddel. She later worked with Dr. Millican to establish the first state and federally funded Family Planning Program in a public health office in New Mexico. Helen started the first home health care program through a public health office in Northern New Mexico. She also established, along with Dr. Blough, the first primary care service for migrant workers in the state.
Helen appeared before many city, county, and state government entities to legislate health laws and programs. In October 2010 Helen was honored as a Nursing Legend by the New Mexico Nursing Excellence Awards for her contributions to her community, the state, and the nursing profession. Helen was a beloved and respected member of the community. One of Helen's passions was her love for her pets and animals. She had a quick wit and dry sense of humor. Even though she spent most of her life here in Northern New Mexico, Helen maintained an element of her Boston accent. She was preceded in death by her life partner Gloria "Trudy" Trivalos. Helen is survived by many beloved friends and loved ones.
Before her passing Helen established the Helen O'Brien Nursing Scholarship at Luna Community College. At her request, memorials may be made to the scholarship account in care of Ernest Salazar at the Community First Bank, 517 Sixth Street in Las Vegas, NM 87701. She was also a major contributor to the Las Vegas Animal Welfare Coalition and the Sweetie Pie Project.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at the First United Presbyterian Church, 1000 Douglas Avenue in Las Vegas, NM on Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. A dinner will be served following the service. The Enrichment Ceremony in the courtyard of the Presbyterian Church will follow the dinner.

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