Nancy Louise (Burkhart) O'Brien

Nancy Louise (Burkhart) O'Brien obituary, Vandalia, MO

Nancy Louise (Burkhart) O'Brien

Nancy (Burkhart) O'Brien Obituary

Visit the Waters Funeral Home website to view the full obituary.

Nancy L. O'Brien, age 73, of Hannibal, MO passed away at 5:41 pm Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Hannibal Regional Hospital.

A Memorial service will be held 11:00 am Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Waters Funeral Home. Bro. Kenny Haddock will officiate. Burial will be in the Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Vandalia, MO.

Visitation celebrating Nancy's life will be held at 10:00 am until 11:00 am Wednesday at the Waters Funeral Home.

Nancy was born on November 13, 1951, in Laddonia, MO the daughter of Oscar Paul and Pauline Louise (Kelsey) Burkhart.

She was united in marriage to Glenn Allen O'Brien. He preceded her in death on May 2, 2001.

Survivors include three sons, Jordan O'Brien (Tiffany) of Hannibal, MO, Lance O'Brien of Hannibal, MO and Chad O'Brien (Jeanette) of Wentzville, MO; daughter, Holly Lowary (Alan) of VA; two brothers, Ronnie Burkhart (Sharon) and Richard Burkhart and twelve grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Nancy graduated from North Shelby High School.

Professionally Nancy worked as an in-home health aid.

Nancy found delight in life’s simple pleasures. She could often be found with a word search puzzle in hand, a fresh cup of coffee nearby, and a smile that welcomed conversation. Her Facebook page was a lively hub of recipes, shared memories, and heartfelt connections-a reflection of her love for staying close to those she cared about.

Cheesecake was her sweet indulgence, and she never missed a chance to enjoy it with friends or family. Whether she was getting her nails painted or swapping stories over coffee, Nancy radiated warmth and kindness. Her greatest joy came from spending time with loved ones-her family and friends were the heart of her world.

Nancy’s presence was a gift. She brought comfort, laughter, and a sense of belonging to every room she entered. Her memory will live on in the stories we share, the recipes we pass down, and the quiet moments we remember her by.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Memorial contributions may be made to Waters Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses.

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

Waters Funeral Home

500 S Main St P. O. Box 84, Vandalia, MO 63382

How to support Nancy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Nancy (Burkhart) O'Brien's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more