Fern O'Brien-LeBlanc
January 25, 2008Share using:
O'Brien-LeBlanc, Fern - It is with great sadness, yet profound gratitude for a life well lived that Fern's family and friends announce her death on Friday, January 25th, 2008
following a courageous journey with cancer. The loving wife of Laurie LeBlanc, she was
the daughter of the late Lowell and Georgie (Hovey) Lawson. She leaves to mourn her
three sons: Robert O'Brien (Spouse Melanie Reed), Daniel O'Brien (Spouse Judy) and
William O'Brien (Spouse Sherry) and cherished grandchildren Alsha Dunlop and Emily
and Leah O'Brien. She is also survived by sister Carolyn McNulty (Thomas) and brothers
James Lawson (Jean) and Paul Lawson (Amoretta), along with several nieces and
nephews. Fern enjoyed a particularly close bond with nieces Judy Kincade and Jackie
Dupuis. She was predeceased by brothers Donald, Robert (Eva) and Norman and sisters
Evelyn Lawson, June Grady and Diane Lawson. Fern's care for Diane throughout her
grave illness and death was a testament to God's love which had been poured so richly into Fern's own life.
The dignity and forthrightness with which Fern battled cancer was an inspiration to all
and her strong Christian witness in the face of adversity was a tremendous gift to others
to encourage them on their own journey. Her life encompassed many facets, not the least
of which was her great pride and respect for her Irish heritage. She was a member of
Comhaltas, which is a group dedicated to preserving the language, culture, music and
dance of Ireland. Her love for traditional Irish music led her to a stint in the Comhaltas
Band playing the bodrhan (Irish drum). She was a fabulous cook and parlayed this affinity into her own catering business aptly named Fern's Fancies. For many years she was the owner operator of O'Brien's Special Care Home on Sea Street in West Saint John and underlined her love for the "West" through her membership in the Western Beaches
Preservation Society and her collaboration with Harold Wright on extensive work
concerning the past and future of Partridge Island.
The Parish Community of Our Lady of the Assumption was Fern's spiritual home for
many years and she served diligently in the Choir, on the RCIA Team and branched out into membership with the St. Rose Prayer Group. Something that she listed among her
greatest accomplishments was the completion of the her Diploma in Ministries Program
from St. Francis Xavier University. Fern possessed fierce loyalty for family and friends, a
quick wit and a generous and giving heart. All of these made her a perfect candidate for
membership in the Red Hat Society and quite appropriately she was part of the
Shimmering Shamrocks. For all of these gifts and blessings, she will be greatly missed
and fondly remembered.