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Abigail O'Brien Obituary
She was the beloved wife of David O'Brien and ridiculously proud mother of their three children, Jack, Elin and Van.
A native of Swarthmore, PA, Abbie was the daughter of Michael and Nancy Letts. She moved to Connecticut in 2001 and, being a fan of efficiency, met David in 2002, became engaged in 2003, was married in 2004 and had Jack in 2005.
After graduating from Gettysburg College and completing her Masters in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania, Abbie had a successful career as a fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Trinity College, Miss Porter's School and most recently the University of Connecticut Foundation where she raised funds for UConn Health - the same facility that treated her for many years.
She loved watching any and all sports but especially the Philadelphia Eagles, the Boston Red Sox, US Women's Soccer and the Hartford Athletic. She also loved Jeopardy!, sarcasm, Taylor Swift, vulgarity, pinot grigio, her dog, Penny, and all things Paris. But above all she loved her family.
Abbie was a true warrior who inspired those around her on a daily basis. She lived life with extraordinary spirit and a sassiness all her own.
In addition to her husband, children and parents, she is survived by her brother, Michael Letts as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She will be tremendously missed by her family as well as countless friends and colleagues.
We would like to offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to the amazing staff at UConn Health, especially Dr. Susan Tannenbaum whose compassion and expertise went far beyond the disease.
It was Abbie's wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to the Letts O'Brien Fund for Breast Cancer Research at the University of Connecticut Foundation by visiting LettsOBrienFund.com.
Calling hours are 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, (December 16th) at Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave, West Hartford. Family and friends are also invited to a Celebration of Life Ceremony which will be held Saturday, (December 17th) from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Wampanoag Country Club, 60 Wampanoag Dr, West Hartford. Online condolences may be made at www. SheehanHilbornBreen.com
"Turning back
She just laughs
The boulevard is not that bad"
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Abigail O'Brien
Sponsored by the family.
3 Entries
Brooklyn Belt
February 8, 2024
This is my friend Van's mom, and I was so sad to hear the news. I was aware that she was struggling with cancer but this just made me really surprised. I still keep in touch with Van, and I hope that their family will still be able to live a somewhat peaceful life. -Brooklyn
William B White MD (professor emeritus UConn Health cardiology)
December 17, 2022
Abbie was a truly wonderful person. I 'met' her when she delivered the most powerful speech that I'd ever witnessed at one of the UConn Health galas using her own personal story to engage a huge audience. She later became a regular visitor to my academic office talking about fund-raising ideas and donors. But our most compelling interactions followed from her reaching out to me when my wife Nancy Petry passed away from the same disease that Abbie had - metastatic breast cancer. These were difficult discussions for both of us - she, who understood her fate, and me who was grieving the loss of my dear wife and my young children's mother. I suppose we helped each other at that time to gain insights into what we each had to do for our families. She was incredibly concerned for the welfare of her husband and children - and knew that I was exactly where they are right now in mid-2018. It was a highly memorable example of pure unselfishness and caring for her family - the type of thing that leaves an indelible memory of her kindness and grace. My sincerest condolences to Abbie's family members.
Richard Lublin
December 14, 2022
She was a wonderful lady and good friend and loved by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed Richard Lublin
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Memorial Events
for Abigail O'Brien
Dec
16
Calling hours
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06110
Funeral services provided by:
Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06110
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