Birth date: May 16, 1925 Death date: Jan 10, 2022
Memorial Mass Scheduled Alyce Marechal O’Brien passed away on Monday, January 10, 2022 in Covington, Louisiana at the age of 96. She was born in New Orleans on May 16, 1925 to Leandre Marechal and Carmen Valenzuela Marechal and w Read Obituary
Alyce was a remarkable person, smart, kind, clever and with a wonderful sense of humor. She was the quintessential teacher and piqued my curiosity by exposure to many different types of literature during my high school years at SSA. In recent years, I enjoyed visiting with her and was always amazed that she retained her clear thinking and great sense of humor well into her nineties! I say goodbye with her smiling face in mind.
Martha Scott Gruning
Educator of Our Lifetime.
And, Mrs. O'Brien would have reminded me that that sentence fragments are unacceptable.
I cannot add much more to what has already been said, as so many have expressed what I also feel, but I will anyway! Mrs. O'Brien is an integral part of the many memories I have of SSA. She was one of the best teachers I had; her sincere enthusiasm for English literature and writing was contagious. I still remember her standing at the podium in her classroom reading to us and then pacing in front of the room in her skirt and loafers as she attempted to explain grammatical intricacies to our distracted self absorbed minds! Her patience was amazing and I thank God for her.
May God give His comfort, grace and mercy to her family at this time.
In His Grace,
Celeste Miltenberger Williams
Sending my deepest heartfelt condolences to the family , may GOD bring Comfort and Peace ,
Mrs Alyce was a very special , kind and unique woman , she touched my heart in so many ways ,
I enjoyed the time we spent together cooking, reading , talking & eating …. She will always remain near and dear to my heart …
She is truly a Blessing to me and so many others ..
She will be missed terribly …
Rest In Peace Sweet Angel …
I remember Alyce as a woman who was gifted with a love for life and a laugh that was infectious. These God given gifts of hers touched countless lives. My prayers are with each of you, her loved ones. Jean Dunn (aka Sr. Mary Martin)
What a loss! I have many fond memories of Mrs. O'Brien, especially that wonderful laugh. We had great times in her house and around the Chalaron's pool with her laughter an always welcome presence.
When David and I were in ninth grade for some reason we were struggling in our Spanish class at St. Paul's. She tutored us in her classroom at SSA, I think once. Her great humor and optimism were enough to show me and David that we could "get it." And we did!
She is intrinsically tied to my remembrances of the Covington of my childhood of bikes, shade on narrow streets, touch football, the Bogue Falaya, St. Peter's Church with Mr. O'Brien reading the epistle, and so much more.
Condolences to David, Michael, Chrissie, Betsy, and John.
Chris Garcia
I am deeply sorry to learn of Alyce’s passing. She was my favorite teacher, and was like a second mother to me and several other SSA girls. She inspired me to make my living as a writer, and later as a literature and journalism teacher. She was a gifted teacher with a great sense of humor, and a true friend. My sincere sympathy to all of the O’Brien family, especially Christine, Elizabeth, Michael, and David.
in loving memories of an exceptional lady,from jean-luc, belgium
Ms. O"Brien taught me English in the 70s. I majored in English at LSU in part because of her influence. l am lawyer who has practiced for almost 40 yrs. I am still benefiting from what i learned about writing from Ms. O'Brien. She corrected our grammar with an affectionate laugh and encouraged us to be analytical readers.
To this day the best teacher I ever had. I feel lucky that she touched my life.
Although it has been a long time since I sat in Mrs. O'Brien's English class, I have never forgotten her as an outstanding teacher and person. I have thought of her fondly over the years and wondered how she could always be calm and offer a solution to whatever problem was presented by a group of teenaged girls full of drama. She was a terrific example to me. My deepest and sincere condolences to Chrissie and the rest of the family.
Joanie Ellis Cox - class 1970
