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BORN
1960
DIED
2024
Deirdre O'Brien Obituary
March 12, 1960 - March 20, 2024
Bradenton, Florida - Deirdre, who illuminated lives with her spirit of generosity, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2024, in Bradenton, FL, surrounded by family and friends. Born in Topeka, Kansas, to Liam and Ann O'Brien, nee Roberts, Deirdre's warmth and vivacity were apparent from her earliest days.
Fondly remembering her youth in St. Joseph, Missouri, Deirdre would often regale her loved ones with tales that conjured a glow of fireflies, a testament to her storytelling gift that could turn memories into magic. Her life was a tapestry of passions: from her deep love for her son Michael, her joyous singing and dancing. In her youth, she was focused on school, and she loved and excelled in both her studies and in sports, basketball, softball, judo, and track. Deirdre immersed herself in plays in middle and high school. Acting and singing was her jam, and she, of course, always wanted to be the leading lady.
Deirdre was a hairstylist for many years and enjoyed her work and her clients. She was a talented electrical circuit designer with Russ Electric in Massachusetts for 17 years, where she took pride in her innovative contributions. She embraced her retirement in Bradenton, Florida, cherishing her leisure time enjoying beach walks and shell collecting.
She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, carried on by her son, Michael Shaponick and Fiancé, Katie Williamson; her family, Liam Denis and Kathleen O'Brien; Eileen and John Pitts; Maureen and Tom Parker, Conor and June O'Brien. She joins in rest her beloved step-son, Ricky Hoffman, and her parents.
A Celebration of Deirdre's Life will be held at Brown and Sons Funeral Home, in Bradenton, FL, on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Friends and Family visit from 9:30 AM, a service at 10:00 AM. A live stream will also be available at https://www.facebook.com/brownandsonsfuneral
In lieu of flowers or donations, please perform an act of kindness on someone and pay it forward, continuing her legacy of kindness to others.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Deirdre O'Brien
3 Entries
Jill
November 20, 2024
I am so sad to hear of Deirdre´s passing . She was a good friend and will always be remembered . Fly high Deirdre.
Stacia & Michael Mackie
November 20, 2024
We are so saddened to hear of your passing Deirdre! We have been friends for so long! We have not chatted in the past year. Last we heard you were planning to come up here for an appointment. I am sad I never saw you. Life got busy it seemed for us all. I am even more sad now that we did not get to meet up when my family and I were in Miami a couple years back. You were a beautiful woman inside and out. We shared many passions and we all could and have talked for hours about them. You were full of life and love. I always remember our chats about the metaphysical and our spiritual chats.
You were and are an amazing woman D! We love you! I am happy you are healthy now in Heaven cheering us all on. I look forward to seeing you again one day and hope you send me some messages in the meantime!
You are a great loss to us all D! Mike and I love you and send you Love and Light, Peace, and warm hugs! We also send love and light and peace to Michael and Katie, and your all of your friends and family who feel your loss as well.
Rest now Sister! <3
We LOVE you!
Raymond Fournier
November 20, 2024
My dear friend, I am saddened to learn of your passing. It was an honor to know you. Your smile, laughter & spirit will live on in memories my beautiful friend. Rest Eternally in the afterlife. ~Namaste ~
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