Muriel Marie O'Brien of Bremerton, Washington, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026, at the age of 77.

She was born December 11, 1948, in Montpellier, France, to Jean Paul and Marie Combettes. She came a long way from the south of France, and she brought a good deal of it with her like a quick wit, a strong will, and a voice that filled a room.

Muriel served her country in both the United States Navy and the Marine Corps until a medical discharge ended her military career. She was proud of that service and spoke of it often.

She earned her bachelor's degree and worked for years as a teacher's assistant, where her patience with students and her no-nonsense good humor made her well suited to the work.

Faith was the constant of her life. A devout Catholic, Muriel was active at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Bremerton and a dedicated member of the YLI. She had a genuinely beautiful voice and sang in the church choir for many years, a gift she was happy to give and one her parish won't soon forget.

Muriel was outgoing in a way few people are. She could start a conversation anywhere and walk away with a friend. She was devoted to the people and the causes she believed in, and she didn't do anything halfway.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by her son, Eric VanBrucklin.

She is survived by her daughter, Melissa O'Brien (Benjamin Keitges); her son, Nicolas VanBrucklin (Stephanie Rizzo); and four grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, with a graveside service and military honors to follow at Tahoma National Cemetery.