Deborah Ann O'Brien Obituary
Deborah Ann (Gaspar) O'Brien, 70 years old, born June 1, 1953, in Gloucester, MA. She was the daughter of Carlos & Catherine B. (Bradley) Gaspar, both of Gloucester. She passed away on December 28, 2023 after a two-and-a-half-year battle with Leukemia, she had additionally survived a bout with breast cancer in 2016.
Debbie graduated from Gloucester High School in 1971 and attended the Wyndham School of Boston completing an Administrative Assistant Program. She joined Holyoke Mutual Insurance Company in Salem Mass in 1973 as an administrative assistant and rose to the rank of Sr. Commercial Lines Underwriter for Middle Oak Insurance Company, partially retiring in 2012 and fully retiring in 2019 after a 46-year career.
She loved to travel with her husband George, including yearly trips to Aruba & Maine. After retirement she enjoyed being a snowbird with George, traveling to Florida and Aruba for the winter months. Together they enjoyed trips to the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, and all around the US. Most recently she and George enjoyed a river cruise along the Danube River.
Debbie loved everything about the ocean which stemmed from her father, Carlos, being a Gloucester fisherman. She could be found spending time at the beach, boating, and enjoying all types of seafood and sunsets. She was a longtime member of the Gloucester Elks, enjoying trivia and bingo nights with friends. She loved Boston sports, attending Bruins games, and was adamant about picking her football numbers each week. Her favorite pastime was being Nana and watching her grandkids do what they love, teaching them Left-Right-Center, and spoiling them whenever possible.
Debbie is survived by George O'Brien, her loving husband of 32 years, her daughter Jenna (O'Brien) Powers of Hanson, MA, son-in-law Patrick, stepson Jamie Harkins of Mechanic Falls, ME and grandchildren Catherine, William, & Max Powers of Hanson and Savannah Harkins of ME. As well as her niece Summer M. Chaplin and nephew Caydan J. Chaplin, both of Quincy, Mass. Debbie enjoyed spending time and making memories with The Curley & The McCarthy families.
She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Carla J. Chaplin, her Aunt Charlotte J. & Uncle Wilbur Michon of Gloucester.
Visiting hours will be held at the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, on Wednesday, January 10th from 4–7 PM. Her Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Good Voyage, 142 Prospect Street, Gloucester, on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 10 AM.
