Elizabeth Ann Brien

Elizabeth Ann Brien was called to her eternal reward in the early morning hours of October 14th, 2016. She was born to William and Bridgett Ryan on December 18th, 1914 near St. Patrick’s/ Irish Settlement in Madison County, Iowa. She was one of ten siblings and was raised on the family farm until her father passed away when she was six. Her mother moved the family to town which her husband requested to be done after his death. Bridgett Ryan and her family moved from the farm to a house on twenty first street near the Basilica of St. John in Des Moines where Elizabeth finished grade school. She attended St. Joseph’s Academy and was class president her senior year. She worked at the Ordinance plant in Ankeny during the war effort and at the Equitable of Iowa. In 1939, she was married to James D. Brien, an attorney and later a funeral director. Eight children were born to this union. Her husband passed away in 1967 leaving Elizabeth with seven children still at home. She worked at the Polk County Auditor’s office to provide for her family until she retired in her mid sixties. Elizabeth was the last surviving sibling from her family. She is survived by seven children, Mary Zill of Rapid City, S.D., Patty Buroker(Dr. Tom), Carlie Brien, Kathy Ricker(Ron), Tim Brien, Tom Brien – all of Des Moines- and Mike Brien(Gail) of Ames. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, James D. Brien and by her son, James D. Brien, Jr. A note of special thanks goes to Tim and Tom, her sons, who provided daily personal care to Elizabeth so she could stay in her own home until the end. All services will be held at the Basilica of St. John on Tuesday, October 18th, with visitation set to begin at 1 P.M. with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 2 P.M. Burial will take place immediately after Mass at Glendale Cemetery where Elizabeth will be laid to rest beside her husband, there to sleep till the judgment morn. The Basilica is located on the corner of MLK Parkway and University Ave. at 1915 University Ave. Parking can be found at the rear of the Basilica.