- https://yoursaintjohn.ca/obituaries/susan-elizabeth-obrien/
On June 23, 2026, Heaven received the most beautiful angel and the best Mama, Nanny, and wife we could have ever asked for. Born March 30, 1955 in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Susan Elizabeth (Mabey) O’Brien was the daughter of the late Wilbur and Barbara Mabey, who were called Home before her.
Susan was a person whose kindness knew no limits, whose love reached far beyond family and friends, and touched even strangers in the most meaningful ways. She had a heart that gave so freely, a warmth that made everyone feel seen, and a strength that carried so many of us through life.
Susan cherished our children, Adam and Jill, and “Nanny’s Boy”, our grandson Emmett. Her heart was filled with joy and humour, and she taught them compassion, resilience, and what it truly means to care for others without hesitation.
Susan and I first met at Milledgeville North High School. She was a young girl who always had a crowd around her at school and, more often than not, laughter followed her. We were soulmates for 53 years, married for 48 of those, and shared a wonderful life together. Susan worked to support us in those early years and stood by me every step of the way on our 10-year journey through university across 3 provinces. We didn’t have much money, but we had each other’s love, our families, and our friends along the way. We were both so happy to return home to Saint John to start our new adventures and start a family. Susan chose work that allowed her to be at home with our children during those busy and joyful years. She filled our home with love and gave them everything they needed as they grew. A new chapter and a new role eventually awaited Susan. She joined me in my office and remained by my side until the day I retired. Thank you, my love. Believe me, it wasn’t all work. We shared so much fun, laughter, and happiness throughout our lives together. We enjoyed it with our families and dear friends. Those who knew Sue know exactly what I mean; she loved life, loved people, and loved to chat and catch up. If you were lucky enough to run into Sue, you would likely walk away feeling special, often with a smile or a laugh.
Susan is survived by me, her loving husband Dr. Christopher Perry O’Brien; her children Adam (Jack Nugent) and Jill O’Brien; her grandson Emmett and his father Michael Bodfield; and her brother, Barry Mabey. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Wilbur Coleman Mabey and Barbara Ruth (Springer) Mabey; and her sister Judith Mabey-Parsley.
Though pieces of our hearts go with her, we will carry her with us in everything we do—in our words, our actions, and the way we love. Her strength will live on in us always, guiding us forward and reminding us of the incredible woman she was.
We would like to thank all of the clinical staff and fellow patients in Hemodialysis for looking out for Sue. You became part of her extended family. We are also deeply grateful to everyone who cared for Sue, me, and our family throughout her final journey in hospital. A special thank you to all of the staff and my colleagues on the Palliative Care Unit. The care you provided was truly second to none. You helped us shepherd Susan on her final journey with extraordinary love, compassion, dignity, and grace. I will never forget the kindness you showed Susan and our family during one of life’s most difficult and intimate moments. What you did for Susan will forever ease our grief. Special thanks to Dr. Jessica Guimond-Hemmings, and nurses Deborah Chesser-Wall and Josselyn Bonnell of the Palliative Care Team for their exceptional care.
To know her was to love her, and to be loved by her was one of life’s greatest gifts. Forever loved.
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1955 - 2026 (71 years)
