In loving memory of

Donna J. O'Brien
October 22, 1944 - September 13, 2020

Donna J. O'Brien, of Ambler, PA, died on Sunday, September 13, 2020 at Abington Hospital Jefferson Health. She was 75 years old.

Born in New Castle, PA, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Jean (nee Bender) McMichael. Donna was an alumna of Slippery Rock University, where she received her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Education. Donna had a great love for children and spent her career as an elementary special education teacher in the Upper Dublin School District.

Donna loved to bake, and many friends and coworkers were the lucky recipients of her delicious trays of cookies. She was a talented needle worker and enjoyed knitting and crocheting. Donna cherished her animals and doted on her cat, Cali.

Donna is survived by her beloved husband of 36 years, Robert J. O'Brien, "Bob". She was the step mother of Barry O'Brien, Debbie O'Brien, Linda Young and Robert O'Brien. She is the dear sister of Joseph T. McMichael, II (Connie) of New Castle, PA and Diane Bailey (the late Jim) of Slippery Rock, PA. She was the loving aunt of many nieces and nephews. Donna is the cherished friend and neighbor of Jennifer Laubach and her partner Georgine Timko, and had a grandmotherly love for their children, Benjamin and MacKenzie Timko-Laubach.

Donations in Donna's memory to the American Diabetes Association, 150 Monument Road, Suite 100, Bala Cynwyd, PA. 19004 Diabetes.org would be appreciated by the family.

Tributes and photos may be shared at www.UrbanFuneralHome.com

Tributes

Thomas Nunan wrote on Mar 21, 2021:

"Our deepest sympathy to you Mr. OBrien: Your wife was an amazing teacher and friend who shaped many young lives. Thomas Nunan and family. "

Thomas Nunan wrote on Mar 21, 2021:

"Our deepest sympathy to you Mr. O?Brien. Your wife was an amazing person,teacher, and friend. She shaped many lives. Thomas Nunan and Family. "

Andrew Reese wrote on Oct 7, 2020:

"Mr. O'Brien, I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. O'Brien. I was fortunate to have had her as a teacher for 4th and 5th grade. She is one of the reasons I became a teacher. I send the deepest sympathies of me and my family. Thank you Mrs. O'Brien for all that you did for me. Rest in peace. Love, Andrew Reese UD Class 2004"

Richard LaGrotte wrote on Sep 26, 2020:

"I have lost a dear friend of over 50 years. For many years I was invited to her house for Thanksgiving dinner, and for other meals throughout the years. She was famous for her cookie baking and not only did I receive dishes of cookies but she also gave me dishes for my friends and relatives. At Christmas time she went wild. She made over 30 varieties of cookies and a total of over 350 dozen...yes, DOZEN...cookies which were given to just about anyone who had crossed her path. She was amazing and will be sorely missed. Richard LaGrotte"

Jamie Adler wrote on Sep 19, 2020:

"I am so sorry for your loss. I was fortunate to have worked with Donna in Upper Dublin. I will always remember her warmth and kindness, her lover of teaching, her wisdom, and, of course, her cookies. Rest In Peace, Donna. "