Shirley O’Brien
Shirley J. (Smith) O’Brien passed away quietly in her sleep July 16, 2025. Shirley was born on July 21, 1935 to Robert and Eva (Stone) Smith in Long Beach, California, and two older brothers, Robert (Bobby) and Clarence (Corky). Several years later, a sister, Jacquelyn (Jacqui), was born into the family. Shirley used to say, “Mama always said that I loved the ocean because she and Daddy walked along the beach the night before I was born.” And indeed, she did! The beach was her happy place. She was an excellent beachcomber, finding all kinds of interesting shells and uniquely shaped pieces of driftwood. Other outdoor activities she enjoyed were camping and fishing. The family vacationed at many of the beautiful state campgrounds near where they lived. A particular favorite was camping near the Elwha river located in the Olympic Peninsula. Shirley also enjoyed gardening, crossword and jigsaw puzzles.
Affectionately known by her family and close friends by her nickname “Dodi”, she lived a long and varied life. From California, the family moved to Seattle, Washington, where they lived for several years before moving to Duvall, Washington. She graduated from Tolt High School, located in nearby Carnation in 1953. During her high school years, she met and eventually married Gordon Leckenby just before graduating from high school. From this union were welcomed two daughters, Stephanie and Michelle. In 1964, she married Gary Harden and two more daughters, Rene’ and Diana, were added to the family. Then in 1977, Shirley married J. Ward (Obie) O’Brien. Obie brought to the marriage four children, David, Kathy, Kelly and Kim. They were married for 43 years, and lived in Woodburn, Oregon during their entire marriage until Obie’s death in 2020. During the last few years of living in Woodburn, Obie and Dodi welcomed Debi Swan into their home as their in-home caregiver. She became a bonus daughter to them from that time on. After Obie’s death, Shirley moved to Lindon, Utah to live near a daughter.
In her early adult years, Dodi worked several different jobs. In Seattle, she was an Information Operator for the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company. She also worked for the Veteran’s Administration. While living in Los Angeles, CA, she worked for Wausau of Wisconsin Insurance Company, then at a bank in El Segundo, CA. After moving back to Seattle, Dodi worked for Blue Cross. During the time her two younger daughters were in grade school, she was a classroom volunteer at Burton Elementary school in Vancouver, WA. Then, she worked for the Vancouver Regional Library. For a short time, Obie and Dodi delivered Meals On Wheels in their hometown of Woodburn.
Dodi’s legacy was not in the possessions she owned but in the ones who called her Momma, Mother, Grandma, and Friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Dodi is survived by her daughters Stephanie (Phil) Garrison of East Grand Forks, MN, Michelle (Mike) Swan of Payson, UT, and Rene’ Smiley of Grapeview, WA; eight grandchidren Jenni (Jason Oatman), Rob Garrison, Miranda (Aaron) Mobbs, Tamara McNatt, Kyle McNatt, Candyce (Steven) Walters, Michael Brock, and Christeen Brock; eleven great-granchildren Jeyden Oatman, Jerret Oatman, Brandon Ralphs, Chase (Samantha) Ralphs, Noah (Hope) Ralphs, Emily (Devin) Hancock, Dallin Duke, Makenzie Walters, Brayden Walters, Kacee McOsker, and Leoren McNatt; four great great-grandchildren Sage, Baylor, Dawsyn, and Aurora; a fifth one is due in February of 2026. Nieces and nephews Bryce (Maria) Weaver, Leesa Weaver, Owen Kardonsky, and many others from the families of her two brothers.
She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Eva Smith, siblings Bobby Smith, Corky Smith, and Jacqui (Bill) Stevenson; and her daughter Diana Brock.