Diane Astrid (Davidson) O'Brien

Diane Astrid (Davidson) O’Brien passed away on July 26, 2020 at Aurora Medical Center in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Diane was born on March 20, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Martin and Astrid (née Larsen) Davidson. Growing up, Diane loved going to her family’s summer cottage in the sand dunes of Indiana. Her fondest childhood memories were along the lake with her twin sister, Sue, and their younger sister, Diedre. She was united in marriage to James (Bill) W. O’Brien on September 5, 1964. Diane and Bill moved their family to Twin Lakes, Wisconsin in the early 1970s.

Diane was incredibly crafty and had an eye for detail. Her artistic hobbies included ceramics and quilting. She had a talent for thread painting and decorated her home with ornate pictures she made herself, stitch by stitch. Her children and grandkids could always count on a handmade gift each Christmas, whether it was a knit sweater, cozy pajamas or a personalized quilt. She spent countless hours making special gifts for her loved ones.

Diane loved spending time outside in the summer. Her backyard deck was her favorite place to be on sunny afternoons. She enjoyed grilling while her grandkids played in the pool, and she always had a Cubs game playing on the radio. From her backyard flower garden and koi pond to her house decorated with family photos and house plants, she created a beautiful space for her family to call home.

Diane was handy and resourceful, and she knew her way around a toolbox. She took her Newfoundlands for walks to the park every day, and she took pride in living independently for the last two decades, with help from her children when it came to heavy lifting.

Diane was preceded in death by her husband Bill, parents Martin and Astrid, her sister Susan, daughter Patricia, and mother-in-law Grace. She is survived by her children James O’Brien, Shawn (Jeff) Pulera and Jacqueline O’Brien; her grandchildren Niara, Brandon, Kelsey, Anna, Brittany, Michael and Joshua, and her great granddaughter Ava; and her sister Diedre.

Private family services will be held. Online condolences and remembrances may be made at Haaselockwoodfhs.com. The Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory of Twin Lakes, WI is assisting the family.