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Deborah O'Brien Obituary

Deborah Scott O'Brien, aged 72, a longtime resident of East Hartford, passed away Wednesday, May 10th, after a courageous battle with cancer. Debbie, daughter of Regina Meegan Scott and Spencer J. Scott Sr, was born in Hartford, CT on December 18th, 1950, graduated from Penney High School in 1968 and spent her career as a paralegal.

Debbie leaves behind her beloved husband, Joseph T. O'Brien of East Hartford, daughter Amber Hatem of Martha's Vineyard, son Kevin Scott O'Brien, his wife Jessica L. O'Brien, and the love of her life, her cherished grandson, Kieran John O'Brien of Plainville. She also leaves behind sister Susan Scott Kenney and husband Peter Kenney, brother Spencer Scott Jr, and sister Maureen Kleine and husband Paul Kleine. Debbie leaves behind her sister-in-law Katherine and Joseph Katzbek along with their two children and many nieces and nephews. She leaves behind many treasured family members and close friends. Debbie will be desperately missed by all of those she has left behind.

Debbie had an amazing sense of humor and a beautiful smile. She made everyone who knew her laugh with her sharp wit and silly sayings. She valued loyalty, honesty, and authenticity. Her family learned from her example of strength and selflessness. As anyone who knew her is aware, her family was her sole focus, and she took care of them until the end, always putting her own needs last.

Our hearts are broken by her passing, but her love, support, and care will never leave us. She was one of a kind, and to be loved by her was truly a blessing.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Christopher Church in East Hartford, CT on Saturday, May 20th at noon.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on May 17, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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Joyce A Reynolds

August 13, 2025

Debbie,
I just learned of your passing from a former neighbor of yours. Although we lost touch after graduation, I treasured your friendship in high school. You were so much fun to be around. May you rest in peace.

Craig O'Brien

November 15, 2024

My deepest condolences to Amber, Kevin and Uncle Joe. Deb was one of the sweetest souls I´ve ever met when I was young, she was always very kind and sweet towards me when I was young. I just found this online, heartbreaking to see and hear. - Craig M O´Brien ( my dad was James E O´Brien deceased 2009)

Martha Fahey

October 13, 2024

For some reason, I was reminded of Deb while watching television I hadn´t seen her in years then googled her name and saw that she had passed. She worked upstairs from me in Frank Raffa´s law firm in Glastonbury. She was so much fun and truly down to earth. "What you see is what you got". She always made me laugh with her easy going personality and sense of humor. She talked about her family a lot with so much love. I´m so sorry for your loss. Martha Fahey

Single Memorial Tree

Pamela Fasciglione

Planted Trees

Angela McAssey Rich

May 20, 2023

Thinking of Joe at the loss of Debbie. I met Joe in 1969 in BHS home room and sat in front of him for four years. I am so very sorry for your loss Joe, Debbie was a wonderful woman.

Angela McAssey Rich

May 20, 2023

Darling Amber, I am so very sorry for the loss of your mother. Your mom was so very kind to me and I will always appreciate her. Thinking of you, Angela McAssey Rich

adreanne good

May 19, 2023

my condolences go out to the family a beautiful person with a heart of gold riheavenly peace gone but never forgotten

Jeff Zajac

May 18, 2023

Still in shock about the news. What a great person and friend always treated me so wonderful. I will miss all the great laughs that we had when we saw each other R.i.p. Debbie

JoAnn Giansanti Denning

May 17, 2023

My sincere condolences to Debbie´s family and friends.. went to school together for many years.. always quick with a smile.. May you Rest In Peace in the Palm of Gods Hands...

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Christina, Lachanna, Jessica

Sent Flowers

Gail (Belanger) Lombardi

May 17, 2023

I knew Debby when she was a young girl, because our fathers met at work, and our families became friends and got together quite often. Debby was outgoing and humorous even as a child, and had a great laugh. My condolences to her entire family, because you lost someone very special.

Sandy & Bruce

May 17, 2023

Our sincere Condolences to Debbie's Brother & Sister's families, Mo & Paul, Scotty, Sue and Peter Sister in law Kathy & Joe and the many nieces, nephews, friends. May you all find peace and comfort in each other and all the cheerished memories you have in your hearts. Love Sandy & Bruce

Michael lachance

May 17, 2023

I can remember when me and Kevin were younger we would always hang around the house before hockey games and football game and all the other sports we went to you always made sure I was well fed and always gave me a great big hug and kiss on the cheek when you saw me you will be missed tremendously my condolences to the family and anyone needs me I´m here always rest in peace!!!

Jackie & Larry Rome

May 16, 2023

Jackie & Larry Rome

May 16, 2023

Jackie & Larry Rome

May 16, 2023

Gregory Davis

May 16, 2023

Through my friendship with Amber and Kevin, I became friends with their family as well. They welcomed me to their homes for holidays and other events and occasions. Debbie was always warm and friendly with a great sense of humor. She will be surely missed by many. My condolences to the all of O'Brien and Scott families. My thoughts are with all of you and Debbie in my prayers.

Cristina Rei

May 16, 2023

Joe, Kevin, Amber and Family I am so sorry for your loss. I remember when Debbie walked into the room, she lit the room with her contagious smile and she was one of the kindest person. May God bless her and your Family. Rest in Peace my dear friend.

Sandy & Bruce

May 15, 2023

Dear Joe, Amber, Kevin, Jess & Kieran,
there are so many memories of us all, all of them will be with us forever. We will miss her smile, witt and vast knowledge of life. You all mean so much to us its hard to imagine our lives now with out hearing her voice, her laugh, her caring thoughts and prayers. This journey is now over, her pain and suffering is being replaced with god's open arms, heaven's doors are open & welcoming her, she is now with her loved ones and will always be in our hearts and part of our sole. Love you Bruce & Sandy xoxoxoxoxoxo

Erin Brown

May 15, 2023

So sorry for your loss Amber and family. Your mom opened her doors to the soccer team many times and I will never forget. She was always so sweet. Sending prayers to you all.

Darlene Morin

May 15, 2023

So sorry for your loss. Love you

Jeanie Becnel (Amber´s friend)

May 15, 2023

Ms. Deborah, you will be missed. Thank you for your kindness. Rest peacefully. Praying for the family that they have peace and comfort.

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Memorial Events
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May

20

Mass of Christian Burial

12:00 p.m.

Saint Christopher Church

East Hartford, CT

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