Ida M. (Meisse) O'Brien passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, July 23, 2010. Her death was as graceful as her life. She was born on Nov. 20, 1929, in Union City. Ida graduated from Jersey City State Teachers College in 1951. She was recognized by the Governor's Office in 1987 for exceptional contributions to education. Ida taught in the Vineland school system for nearly 30 years., primarily at Butler Avenue School. She was an active member of St. Padre Pio Church. Ida enjoyed traveling, spending time with her college pals, and looked forward to her weekly bridge game with her dear friends. Ida is survived by her sister, Anne Halvorsen; her children, Tim O'Brien of Bailey, Colo., Pat O'Brien of Durango, Colo., Kevin O'Brien of Ridgway, Colo., Sally O'Brien Burns of Parker, Colo., Mary Jo Cameron of Clayton, and Karen Beede of Gainsboro, Tenn. Ida was blessed with nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Ida will be greatly missed by all. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Padre Pio Church, 4680 Dante Ave., Vineland. Family and friends will be received at Ida's home at 366 N. Brookfield St., Vineland, following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in Ida's name to your favorite children's charity.