Janice O’Brien, age 69 of Braham, died at her home surrounded by her family on July 14, 2019. A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 18th at Strike Life Tributes – ISANTI. The memorial visitation will begin at 4 P.M. until service time at 6 PM.
Janice Lee O’Brien was born February 6, 1950 in Savannah, Georgia to Ellsworth and Lucy (Westlund) Lindell. Because her father was in the Air Force, Jan was raised and attended many different schools but she did graduate from Cambridge-Isanti High School, Class of 1968. In 1970, Jan married Lennis Hansen, they had two children and were together eight years. In 1979, she married Bob Buckingham, merging families for twelve years. Then in 1995 she married her eternal companion, Dennis O’Brien, and they made their home in rural Braham. Jan worked at the State Hospital in Cambridge and then retired from the Department of Corrections. She was a Minnesota State employee for over 30 years. Jan was a member of Siloa Lutheran Church of Braham. Her hobbies and interests included quilting, volunteering, Bluegrass festivals, shopping, investing time in her Swedish heritage and genealogy, being with her family, wintering in Texas and any other crazy ideas she would embark on.
Jan was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia in January of 2017. This form of leukemia has a predicted life expectancy of only 5 months, but Jan showed her courage and strength by fighting it for two-and-a-half years. The family would like to thank the Mayo Clinic in Rochester for their care and compassion. Jan was the kind of wife and travel companion, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister that others strive to be. She was extremely dedicated to each of those who loved her. Her energetic spirit made her a joy for all to be around and her positive perspective on life will carry on through each of us.
Jan died on July 14, 2019 at her home surrounded by her family. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her brother, Gary Lindell. Jan is survived by her husband, Dennis of Braham; 4 children, Kelly (Steve) Witter of Ramsey, Craig (Erika) Hansen of Braham, Brandon Buckingham of Mora, Jason (Amanda) Buckingham of Willmar; 10 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; sister, Darlene (Jim) Edin of Minneapolis, nieces, nephews and by many other relatives and friends.
Dennis and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Jan will be remembered by many and will live on in our hearts. May God give strength, comfort and love at this time.
RIP Jan. Fly high and soar with the Eagles and Angels on high.
I work in the cities on Thursdays so I don’t know if I will be able to make the service, but know I am thinking of you I and there in spirit.
Sue
I love you more…..
Everyone, I’m so sorry for your loss of Jan, she was a wonderful person and heaven gained an amazing angel. A fighter she was.
Love,
Dennis and family, on July 14 another “star” was added to our heaven above. I have always thought that each twinkle of a star was someone in heaven was looking down on us.
Jan was definitely a fighter and was able to make the wedding just a week or two ago in South Dakota before coming home. Glad she was able to have time with family and be in familiar surroundings.
God bless you all and I will keep you in my prayers.
So sorry to read about Jan. My thoughts are with and the family.
Jan and I never met in person. We were “introduced” by a joint friend, Ginger Nosbusch. I had just received my bone marrow transplant in Washington State and Jan was anticipating hers. We were able to speak a couple of times and text a few times. We quickly found that we shared a trust in and love for our Lord. I am honored to have been allowed to pray for Jan on her journey. Although we had planned to meet up when I was next in MN, our meeting will be delayed until we meet in the house of our Lord. I am grateful to God for the chance to meet Jan. I pray that the family will feel the peace and comfort of our gracious and faithful God. God’s blessings to you all.
Kelly, I didn’t know your mom, but I do know what a sweetheart you are…..so she must have been just as wonderful. Sending you my love and hugs and pray for you and your family. Losing one so dear is always so difficult and all those great memories will help as the days go by.
Pat – (Sara’s mom)