Obituaries : Victoria Deloris O’Brian

Victoria Deloris O'Brian, affectionately known as Dee, passed away on May 30, 2025, at the age of 77.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Springs of Life Church (2300 26th Street NW) in Cedar Rapids, with Rev. Chad Garrison officiating. A reception will follow the service at the church. Family Interment will follow the reception at Oakwood Cemetery in Shellsburg. Friends may visit with the family from 9:00 AM until service time at the church on Wednesday. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Better Together Animal Rescue in Vinton.

Born on December 1, 1947, in Clarinda Iowa, to Bob and Ruth (Britt) Smith, Dee lived a life marked by devotion to her family, a passion for reading, and love for animals. Dee graduated from Prairie High School in Cedar Rapids. She married the love of her life, Don O'Brian, on March 1, 1969. Dee was fiercely loyal to her family, and she took pride in them.

She is survived by her husband, Don; sons, Rob (Pam) O'Brian, Rus (Brenda) O'Brian and her four grandchildren, Aly (Justin) Livingston, Lauren O'Brian, Dalton O'Brian and Grace O'Brian; her great-granddaughter, Taytum Livingston; and her brother Bob (Pat) Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Throughout her life, Dee worked in various service roles, including housekeeping at the local Cedar Rapids hospitals and in security before retiring. Despite the challenges she faced, Dee's spirit remained vibrant, fueled by her love for literature. An avid reader who mastered speed reading in high school, she devoured thousands of books over her lifetime, finding joy in their pages.

Dee and Don both loved decorating outside for the holidays. The grandchildren will always remember the Halloween parties they hosted. Camping and fishing were other hobbies they enjoyed-Pleasant Creek and Rock Creek State Park were a couple of her favorite spots. Dee was also an animal lover. Besides the love and affection for her own dogs, she often would set food out on her deck for the local strays and loved to feed the raccoons and rabbits.

Dee's warmth, loyalty, and generous spirit will be missed by all who knew her.

Online Condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com