WARREN — Margaret O’Brien, a longtime political force for Trumbull County Democrats, died about 4:30 p.m. Christmas Day, according to her son, former state Rep. Michael J. O’Brien. She was 94.

O’Brien was the first woman elected to Warren City Council. After two failed attempts running for council, she broke the boy-club barrier in her next race and began serving in 1972. After 10 years on council, O’Brien was elected as Trumbull County clerk of courts, and held that office until she retired in 2004.

O’Brien once said, “Women are an asset. They are more inquisitive, more detail-oriented. We do more research. And we are suspicious.”

Howland Township Administrator Darlene St. George, who was also a good friend of O’Brien, said O’Brien was a firm believer that there should be a mix of viewpoints at the table. She entered politics at a time when few other women had a seat, but she worked to mentor others, including St. George, who eventually broke into politics as well.

“Trumbull County lost an icon, and I lost a dear friend and mentor,” St. George said. “Margaret lived by the words, ‘Never apologize for being a strong woman.’ But, at the same time, she knew we had to earn that respect, not command it.”

She learned from O’Brien that garnering respect is how one is able to influence decisions — and how to do that is to listen quietly and be respectful, so that down the road, others will listen quietly and be respectful to you. O’Brien believed that women should own being a leader with pride, but do so in a way that didn’t involve pounding on the table.

Warren Mayor Doug Franklin said she often worked behind the scenes and was an underdog.

At the same time, he said she was a “living encyclopedia of local politics,” because she knew how things worked.

“She was someone you always wanted in your corner, because all of her advice was good,” Franklin said.

Franklin was encouraged by O’Brien to get into politics back in 1985.

St. George went on to be the first woman elected as a Howland Township trustee. She said O’Brien was funny, kind-hearted, tough, loyal and took care of those around her, including her friends and the people who worked for her.

“I’m proud to have called Margaret my friend,” St. George said. “She had a way of letting us know when she disagreed with us, but at the same time, she would be the first person to tell you how proud she was of you. She said it how it is.”

Franklin said one of the biggest lessons he learned from her was to always be yourself and never sell yourself for any reason. He noted that she was a trailblazer and an excellent example for women.

O’Brien was born May 6, 1928, in Yonkers, N.Y. She received her nursing certification and enlisted in the U.S. Women’s Army Corps in 1948. The Korean War broke out and in 1950, she was assigned to Osaka Army Hospital in Osaka, Japan.

“I feel like people think I’m tough, and, well, I am,” O’Brien once told the Tribune Chronicle. “When I tell them I was a sergeant in the Army, they nod their heads and say, ‘Of course you were!'”

It was during her service in 1951 in Osaka that she met Francis J. O’Brien, a Marine sergeant from Warren. They married in 1952 in Osaka before settling in Warren. Frank O’Brien died in 2008. Upon his death, the couple was two months shy of celebrating 55 years of marriage.

“Everything she did, she did with her whole heart,” Franklin said. “Knowing her children, she was a great mother, as well as a great politician.”

They had seven children — Colleen, Kathleen, Michael, Patrick, Terrence, Frank and Margaret.

St. George, who was friends with O’Brien for over 40 years, said her friend was very family oriented, which was exemplified by the ever-changing photos on her mantel of her children, graduations, weddings, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Franklin said her family was always her first priority, and he admired her dedication to them, as a life in politics can be hard on the family.

St. George said O’Brien was a devout Catholic and was dedicated to her community.

Her affiliations over the years included being a member and office holder in the Democrat Federated Women’s Club, Warren City Democrats, the Jefferson Democrat Club, the League of Women Voters, American Legion Post 278, St. Mary Church, and the St. Mary Altar and Rosary Society.

Arrangements are being handled by Peter Rossi and Son Funeral Memorial. Services for O’Brien are pending.