Obituary of Deborah Ann O'Brien

It is with great sadness that the family of Deborah Ann O’Brien announce her passing which occurred on Sunday, July 27th, 2025, at the Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, NB.  Born in Salem, Massachusetts, USA, on February 18, 1968, she was the daughter of the late Dave and Calvie (Reed) O’Brien.

Debbie, lovingly known as “Debbie Doo,” was a joyous spirit whose presence lit up every room she entered. Her vibrant personality and genuine heart made her deeply loved by all who knew her. She was a listener, a supporter, and someone who always wanted the very best for the people she cared about.

No matter what life brought her way, Debbie met it with strength, grace, and a fierce determination to find the good in everything. She was resilient and grounded, with a spirit that couldn’t be dimmed.

She found her greatest peace and happiness in the simple things: listening to good music at her secluded, tranquil home she shared with her partner Mark, spending time with loved ones, making plans with her sisters, and knowing her daughters and grandchildren were happy and healthy. These were the things that made her heart full.

She was also grateful for the care and companionship of her longtime homecare worker, Tara, whose presence brought comfort and support in recent years. 

Debbie was a hard and dedicated worker throughout her life. She spent many years with Zellers and later at the Superstore, where she not only built a career but formed deep friendships. Her coworkers became a second family—people who admired and adored her for her kindness, humor, and incredible work ethic.

To know Debbie was to have a shoulder to lean on and a friend to laugh with. She was endlessly supportive, always ready to help, and deeply invested in the happiness and success of those she loved. Her loyalty ran deep, and her generosity knew no bounds.

Debbie’s love, laughter, and unwavering strength will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

Deborah is survived by her husband Mark Grant of Hanford Brook, NB; children: Angielee Snodgrass of Saskatchewan and Brittany Snodgrass (Tim) of Saint John, NB; grandchildren: Maddie, Evelyn, Elias and Lily; brothers: Mike O’Brien (Bonny) of Rothesay, NB, Garnor Reed (Christine) of Saint John, NB and John O’Brien of Saint John, NB; sisters: Anna Blackwell (Wayne) of Quispamsis, NB and Helen (Sean) Gillis of Lepreau, NB; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family. In addition to her parents, Deborah was predeceased by her grandson Ben.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB where visitation will be held on Friday, August 1st from 12 to 2pm followed by the funeral service at 2:00pm. Interment will take place at St. Peter’s Anglican Cemetery, Upham, NB.

Donations in the memory of Deborah may be made to the Stan Cassidy Foundation or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and memorial donations may be made through ReidsFH.com.