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Debra O'Brien Obituary
BEVERLY — Debra C. "Debi" (Richardson) O'Brien, 45, wife of Stephen P. O'Brien, Jr., passed peacefully at the Kaplan Family Hospice House on Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, following a 32-year courageous battle against Multiple Sclerosis.
Born in Springfield on June 11, 1964, she was the daughter of Thomas and Suzanne (Curtis) Richardson of Beverly Farms. Raised in Longmeadow, she was a graduate of Wilbraham Monson Academy and moved to the North Shore to attend Gordon College.
Debi was a devoted wife and mother who loved her family. She was a member of the North Shore Community Baptist Church, Beverly Farms and was a devout Christian. She enjoyed Bible study and church activities. She had a special compassion for the infirm. She also loved to summer on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Island.
In addition to her husband of 23 years and her parents, she leaves behind her sons, Stephen P. O'Brien, III and Peter T. O'Brien of Beverly Farms, her sisters; Bethany Richardson of West Peabody and Pamela Poniatowski and her husband Matthew of Rhode Island; her brothers, Thomas Richardson, Jr. and his wife Cassandra of Florida, Peter Richardson of Springfield; and sisters-in-law, Sheila O'Brien Egan and her husband Robert of Nantucket, Barbara A. O'Brien of Beverly Farms; and her father-in-law, Stephen P. O'Brien, Sr. of Manchester; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: A celebration of Debi's life will be held at the North Shore Community Baptist Church, 9 Hart St., Beverly Farms, on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009 at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Friends of the Beverly Farms Library, 24 Vine St., Beverly Farms, MA 01915; or to the "Kaplan Family Hospice House" Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. Interment will be held privately in the Beverly Farms Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Grondin Funeral Home, 376 Cabot St., Beverly. For more information and to send online condolences, please visit www.grondinfuneralservices.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Genell Pike
October 8, 2010
Dear Steve and family...I have just learned about Debi's passing through a mutual friend...(Denise Richardson).
I first met Debi over 20 years ago when I was first diagnosed with MS...I was led to call her when she was involved with an MS support group at the church in Hamilton. I just wanted to say I have always held a very special place in my heart for her and think of her often. She very calmly and lovingly shared her story and encouraged me and so many others to keep the faith...I learned from her that we are so much more than just our physical bodies...she brought comfort when I was afraid in the early days and she continues to be an inspiration to me after all these years. I am grateful that I was blessed to know her even for just a short while...
May your memories of her and the knowing that she is with the Lord and watching over us with Love and Light, bring you much comfort and peace xoxoox
Sally & family
January 19, 2010
Steve and family,
Thinking of you and sending our deep love and sympathy. I have a card but am trying to get your exact address, (which is how I found this guest book). Sorry I was not able to make it to the services but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Big hugs with tears,
Jenee & Joel Ramos
January 17, 2010
To the O'Brien family,
My sister Jeneil Russell introduced me to Debi and on a few occasions I had the pleasure to sit next to her and receive my infusion in the MS Center in Brookline. My family had heard so much about this amazing woman my sister cared for so deeply - it was a blessing to see pictures of her family, be cheered by her tenacious faith in our God, and even swap a few MS stories. What an angel. Debi is an unforgettable person. We continue to lift your family in our prayers and look forward to rejoicing one day with her in heaven.
Amy
January 7, 2010
To the O'Brien Family, Mr. & Mrs. Richardson,
I just learned of Debi's passing. She was such a sweetheart. She passed away the day my beautiful daughter came into this world. I am thinking of you all at this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Amy (from your doctor's office)
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Erin Higgins
January 5, 2010
To the O'Brien family,
You did a phenominal job caring for Deb in her last few years. The support of her church was amazing! The staff here at New England Rehab Hospital in Danvers send our love. Stephen, you were an amazing husband to Deb, you stuck by her side and did whatever it took to keep her home with you and your kids. To Deb's father who advocated for her care endlessly, you should be very proud. To Audrey Frazier of Tufts who followed Deb's case for years and assisted in giving Deb the best care. To Deb, I know you are with God now. We know how much you loved listening to your gospel music. If there is anything the staff here at NERH can do, please let us know.
SIncerely, Erin Higgins RN Case Manager
Susan Stark
January 1, 2010
Dear Steve and family,
We were so sad to hear about Deb. She was an amazing person. We have fond memories of Deb when our children were at Magic Years.
We hope the support of family and friends helps ease the pain and with time your cherished memories will replace your sadness.
Sincerely,
The Stark Family,
Wally, Susan, Evan and Colin
Susie and Alexander Fall 2009
Susie Morrill
December 31, 2009
Steve, Barbie, Boys
We send our very best to you.
We want to let you know that we are thinking of you during this time of loss.
Debbie was such a bright light. She lived with her MS and made the very best of her life.
We know that she is at peace now pain free and very mobile in heaven no doubt.
Blessings,
Susie and Alexander
December 31, 2009
Steve,
George and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Debbie. Please accept our sincere sympathy at this difficult time. We are in Florida and are unable to be at her service today, but our thoughts are with you and your family.
Judy Mosse
Nick Zessoules
December 31, 2009
With deepest sympathy for you and your family.
Sheryl (Duest) James
December 31, 2009
Dear Steve and Family,
So very sorry to hear of Debi's passing. Through the years when we saw each other in Bermuda and reunions she was a pillar of strength. A very beautiful woman. May your love for your family help you through this very difficult time.
December 30, 2009
Steve, Steve and Peter
Rob, Tom and I have you in our prayers
Bob Lockwood
Jason and Ralph Sevinor
December 30, 2009
Dear Steve and family,
You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Jim Day
December 30, 2009
Steve,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Deirdre O'Reilly
December 29, 2009
Stevie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your boys and family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Peters
December 29, 2009
I met Deb several years ago and was immediately drawn to her strong and positive attitude She will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lisa K. Peters (Arlington, MA)
Ann Egan
December 29, 2009
Dear Steve and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Debi's passing. She is now without pain and suffering. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim, Ann and Jay Egan
Kathleen Carvalho
December 29, 2009
Dear Steve, Stephen and Peter,
We were very sad to hear of the passing of Debi. She was a beautiful,strong wonderful women. I will always remember her strength and love for all of you. Stephen and Peter know you were loved so deeply and you were your mom's proudest accomplishment. We wish you many happy memories and smiles as you remember your mom. I know we will always smile when we think of her. Lots of love,
Kathy and the entire Children's Development Center Staff.Hamilton Ma.
Kathy Aiello
December 29, 2009
So sorry to hear of Mrs.O's passing! She had such an angelic presence on earth!She will be greatly missed! Her smile could light up a room! Knowing her was a privelege! May she rest in Peace and Love!
Kathy and Jay Aiello, Chris and Josh Collins
Tom & Brenda Howland
December 29, 2009
Dear Tom, Suzzi, Bethany and family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter Debbie. We know that she has no more pain and sorrow and we look forward to seeing her again one day. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom and Brenda Howland
Mary Battistelli
December 29, 2009
Dear Steve and family,
We are so saddened by Debi's passing. She is surely welcomed with open arms to Heaven. She was a remarkably beautiful person on the inside as well as the outside. We were all lucky to know her and because she was so special, she will be missed all the more.Our prayers go out to all her family.
Sincerely, Mary and Dave Battistelli
Gina Langone LaChapelle
December 29, 2009
Debi, I love you with all my heart. Thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for all the laughter sometimes through the tears when the laughter was needed most.
Gina
Beth & Vinny Gualtieri
December 29, 2009
So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
December 29, 2009
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. May fond memories bring comfort at this time.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Anne Murray & family.
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