Debra A. "Debi" O'Brien

Debra (Debi) Ann O'Brien, 72, of Dubuque, Iowa, died on August 27, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, surrounded by her beloved family. A private family memorial service will be held.

Debi was born on August 18, 1953, the second child to Earl and Rose (Feldman) Decker. She lived her life exactly how she wanted to, treasuring the freedom of a long walk or heading into town for a Target run. Debi earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from UNI, which she used in a lifetime of caregiving roles. She was a long-time paraprofessional and "Volunteer Grandma" with Dubuque Community Schools, as well as a fiery advocate for Disability Rights.

Debi was a giver. One of her greatest joys in life was finding the "just right" trinket or treasure to give to a friend or family member. Her love of giving was so great that one of her final acts was a donation to the Iowa Donor Network.

It would be impossible to list all of Debi's interests and passions, but she was most well known for her extraordinary intelligence and love of books. She often fondly recalled reading the entire contents of the Bookmobile as a child when it visited her little hometown of Bernard, and once remarked, "I must have stacks and stacks of books in my home" (and did she ever!). Debi loved kids and dogs and being a Baby Boomer. She had a front-row seat to the changing seasons on her long walks along the Mississippi River Walk, and the Julien Dubuque Nature Trail was one of her favorite spots. Her time outdoors fueled a lifelong love of the arts - theater, watercolor painting, and poetry were among her enduring passions.

Debi also embraced the dawn of the Internet, finding community with other families raising children with Down syndrome. She held a special place in her heart for the online group "Uno Mas," where she made many lifelong friends through their shared connections.

Debi is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Ariel Glasman and George Ellerbach of Iowa City; and by her siblings: Bonnie (Gary) Hancock of Epworth, Jay (Marlene) Decker of Bernard, Carol (David) Shanahan, Margie (Ron, "Zip") Gassman of Bernard, and sister-in-law, Lynn Decker of Bernard. She delighted in following the adventures of her many nieces and nephews, including Matt (Katie) Decker, Emily (Akai) Smith, Suzy Decker, Erin Shanahan, Bridget (Ted) Anders, Rebecca Bradley, Ben Bradley, Renee Decker, Teresa Decker, Richard (Marissa) Decker, Johnna Decker, Katelyn (Devon) Wernke, Robert (Orea) Decker, Toby Hancock, Kelly (Robin) Wink, and Meg (Terry) Boge.

Debi was preceded in death by her beloved son, Gabriel ("Gabe") Glasman; her parents and stepmother, Carmie Decker; siblings Larry and David Decker; brothers-in-law Steve Bradley and Gary Hancock; and niece Rachel Decker.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to your local library, Iowa Public Radio, local NAMI chapter, or an elementary school.

The family thanks the staff at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids, and the countless community members who supported Debi in ways both big and small. Ariel says, "Sleep sweet", and we will see you on eternity's first morning.