Doris O'Brien

Doris Lucille O’Brien was born in Hofflund, North Dakota to Pete and Bessie Nelson, On October 24, 1925. Doris lost her father to a septic appendicitis in 1933 when she was only 8 years old. She lost her mother in 1951. At the age of 12 Doris went to live with her sister Hilda and her husband Pat O’Brien in Vancouver Washington. There in Washington she met and Married the love of her life, Dewey Jackson O’Brien. They were married in Cowlitz County Washington on June 8th, 1942. Together they had five children. Dewey was already drafted into the army when they got married. During WWII one day after his 21st birthday he was inducted. After spending time based in Kentucky for military training he was soon sent overseas and was in Europe by 1944. Doris continued living with her sister Hilda helping raise her nieces while Dewey was away. Sometime after her first child Sonja was born in 1943 she moved to Montana to be near her mother and sister Florence. In Montana Doris was introduced to the truths of God’s word the bible by her brother George, at which time she formed a deep and abiding attachment to her God Jehovah. Jehovah God was no vague or distant deity to Doris, but she saw him as her life giver, her sustainer, and as a real person that she desired to please and glorify. She read her bible daily and even as her eyesight was failing she got larger and larger print until she was using a 4 volume largest print set reading with a magnifying glass. Doris spoke to her heavenly father in prayer regularly. On many occasions even praying out loud, prayers that her family were all witness to. She was excited to tell everyone that came close to her about her God, her hope, and his kingdom. When she was hospitalized and suffering terribly she shared bible truths with her doctors and nurses. She even regularly engaged in house to house ministry until the age of 90. Aside from her love for her God was her fierce love for her family. If one of her children were in need she would come no matter how far she would have to go. During times of distress she stepped in even becoming the breadwinner when Dewey was seriously injured in a logging accident. She was always there to give advice and had an empathetic heart with deep feelings. She made sure that she instilled in her children that same deep love. The O’Brien family experience a level of closeness distinguished by an ease in sharing hugs. Dewey and Doris taught their children to demonstrate family love. Greetings and departures were always accompanied by a hug and most times a kiss. Something not experienced by every family. Doris was proceeded in death by her Husband Dewey, her siblings, and her granddaughter Anna. Doris is survived by her five living children; Sonja Marie Guerrero of Stayton, Oregon; Delbert Dewey (Dig) O’Brien and his spouse Nola O’Brien of Mill City, Oregon; Michael Allen O’Brien and his spouse Audrey O’Brien of Salem, Oregon; Karen Christine Potter and her spouse Dave Potter of Gates, Oregon; Carey Moline (Joe) O’Brien and his spouse Terri of Mill City, Oregon. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. Service information soon to follow