Theresa Ellen O'Brien

Theresa Ellen O’Brien, born on January 2, 1951, in the Bronx, New York, left this world on August 21, 2025, peacefully on her own terms after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s in McDonough, Georgia, surrounded by her cherished memories and the love of her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose kindness and hard work touched the lives of many. Theresa lived a life defined by strength, humor and fierce independence. She was beautiful in every sense of the word- not just in appearance but in the way she lived boldly and loved deeply. She never backed down from life’s challenges. She shared her life with her soulmate, Al Moilanen, who passed away in 2014.Their love was one of a kind, and Theresa carried his memory in her heart until her final days. To know Theresa was to know someone who spoke her mind, laughed loudly, loved her family fiercely, and never stopped fighting. She lived and left this world on her own terms, exactly as she wanted. Theresa’s strength, beauty, and spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Theresa was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Florence Reed Johnston, as well as her siblings, Marilyn Santilli, Robert "Bobby" O'Brien, and Maureen O'Brien. She leaves behind a profound legacy through her daughters, Valerie Eastmond Robert’s and Lynn Ergle (Lane), who will carry her spirit forward. Her brother, John O'Brien; grandchildren—Theresa, (Chad) Sean, (Elise) Wyatt, (Emily) Mark, (Audrey) Ashlyn, Alex, Morgan, (Christian) Marissa , and Owen—along with her great-grandchildren, Kiara, Liam, Haleigh, Arya Rose, Stella Mae and Ashton, were the light of her life, and she relished every moment spent with them. 

Theresa dedicated her professional life to Publix as an administrative coordinator, where her diligent work ethic shone brightly. Her warm demeanor and kindness endeared her to all who knew her, and she will be remembered for her loving nature and her commitment to family and friends above all else. A private ceremony will honor Theresa’s life, reflecting the values she held dear and the quiet strength she showed throughout her journey. In this time of sorrow, those who loved her are invited to remember her with love and gratitude.

Though she may no longer walk among us, Theresa Ellen O’Brien's legacy of love and kindnesswill continue to inspire her family and friends for generations to come.