Obituary of Debra Lynn O'Brien

Debra Lynn O'Brien

(June 4, 1960 - September 2, 2019)

Debra Lynn O'Brien of Camrose, AB, formerly of Yellowknife, NWT, passed away on Monday, September 2, 2019 at the age of 59 years.

Debra passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends. “I love my life” was a common phrase you would hear from Debra. A dedicated mother who cherished spending time with her kids and absolutely loved her role as a wife, mother and especially a grandma. With an endless reserve of love and generosity, she embraced every moment she spent with family, friends and her communities in Yellowknife, Camrose, Winnipeg and Phoenix. Debra had the inherent gift of selflessly putting her time and effort toward helping and bettering the people around her. She always rolled with an optimistic attitude and dedicated a lot of her time volunteering, notably for the Royal Canadian Legion in which she was a member for 30 years. During her final few days, she had incredible strength and the ability to keep smiling and make people laugh while dealing with the storm inside her. She was truly the kindest of souls and will be deeply missed.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband Rick; children Kurt Anderson (Jaclyn Ruptash) of Squamish, BC, and Jennifer (Darin) Ryden of Yellowknife, NWT; step-children Stephen O'Brien (Amanda St. Denis) of Yellowknife, NWT, and Randi O'Brien (Aaron Reid) of Yellowknife, NWT; grandson Cameron; step-grandchildren Celestia, Ayla, Eve and Edison; siblings Richard (Patsy) Tanchyk of Coquitlam, BC, Dee Dee (Don) Seadon of Winnipeg, MB, and Ray Tanchyk (Sylvia Sterzuk) of Winnipeg, MB; step-brother Greg (Teri) Agnew; and step-sister Barb (Wilf) Miller.

Debra was predeceased by her parents Bruce and Alma. 

A Celebration of Life was held at the Royal Canadian Legion Camrose Branch 57 on Saturday, September 21, 2019 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m..

If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Debra's memory may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion - Camrose.