Obituary of Barbara O'Brien
It is with great sadness that we announce and mourn the passing of Barbara Jean O'Brien, 56, formerly of Westville, at the Palliative Care Unit in the Aberdeen Hospital.
She was predeceased by her parents, the late Robert and Doris (Fraser) O'Brien.
Barbara will be sadly missed by her beloved children Adam, New Glasgow, and Jenna (Shawn Hessian) Bowles, Truro. She will be remembered with love by surviving sisters Debbie (Walter) Cormier, Westville; Mary Duggan, Fredericton; Bobbie (Gilbert Marshall) Vint, Westville; Brenda O'Brien, New Glasgow; Patsy (Clem) DeYoung, Westville; Sandra O'Brien, Sydney; and brother Stephen O'Brien of St. John. Barbara is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Barbara was very intelligent and had an unlimited desire to absorb, learn, and understand new things. When it came to her children, she was as fierce as a mother bear. This unsurpassed loyalty and devotion extended also to her siblings and it really defined exactly who Barbara was. Barbara was very sweet, but that could be very short-lived if anyone interfered with her watching her favorite show, 'Coronation Street'. She enjoyed nature and all it encompassed with a passion for animals both domestic and wild. She drew enjoyment just watching the deer and their fawns through her window in the evenings. Sharing conversations, laughs and memories over a cup of tea with her many sisters, and brother complete with her witty sense of humour was always entertaining. However, Barbara's phenomenal characteristic was her strength, fortitude and resilience. She was a very strong woman who never gave up, and never backed down on principle. This, as well as her deep faith served her well and sustained her throughout her life especially most recently during her health crisis.
Special thanks to all the nurses and doctors of the Palliative Care Unit in the Aberdeen Hospital. The indispensable support, compassion and care was so appreciated. Donations can be made in Barbara's name to the SPCA or the Palliative Care Unit, New Glasgow.
Due to N.S. Covid Restrictions, there will be no visitation. A brief gathering for family will be held at Eagles Funeral Home, Westville at 1:00 pm on Saturday with a public grave side service at the Holy Name Cemetery, Westville at 2:00 pm.