Sandra L. "Sandy" O'Brien, 86, of Merrimack, NH, passed away Friday January 3, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family at the Elliot Hospital, Manchester, NH. She was born on April 28, 1938, in East Derry, NH to Leo and Emma (Martineau) Thibeault. Sandy grew up in Derry, where she graduated from Pinkerton Academy, Class of 1956, and later raised her own family. She dedicated the majority of her career to working as an Executive Secretary, with her final role before retirement being with Child and Family Services.
For Sandy, her family was everything. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and sister, who always put her family first and was also a pretty terrific friend to everyone that knew her. She and her sister Sally enjoyed countless adventures for over eight decades. They enjoyed seeing a movie (with popcorn) for 25 cents when they were kids, exploring New England history on their often-rainy outings, and raising 8 kids between the two of them in their hometown of Derry. Later years brought shared shopping trips, lunches and many laughs and memories. Sandy’s favorite pastimes included watching classic movies, listening to Neil Diamond or Johnny Cash and reading a good historical fiction or mystery book. She could also go toe-to-toe with any Jeopardy champion past or present. Her family knew not to call her when Jeopardy was on!
Sandy’s love of cooking and baking, passed down from her father, was a gift enjoyed by everyone during family celebrations and get-togethers. Her chocolate chip cookies were legendary! They were requested for every occasion and were always “taste-tested” before the rest of the food came out! At the holidays, her pecan sandies and carrot cakes were family favorites and will be missed by all.
Her kindness and thoughtfulness were evident in many ways. She never forgot a special occasion –- she was always the first to reach out on birthdays, anniversaries, holidays or important days in people’s lives. Her weekly “hello” texts to the grandkids made their days. She loved to let them know she was thinking of them and nothing compared to her warm and unforgettable hugs.
She is survived by her four children, Karen Tebbenhoff and husband Peter of Portsmouth, NH; Kevin O'Brien and wife Jennifer of Bedford, NH; Erin Bayer and husband Michael of Bedford, NH; and Timothy O'Brien and wife Kristin of Gilford, NH; six grandchildren, Megan Tebbenhoff, Zachary Bayer and wife Claudia, Liam O'Brien, Nicholas Bayer, Kaitlyn O'Brien, and Alissa O'Brien; one sister, Sally Phelan; one brother, Gene Thibeault and wife Deborah Askew of British Columbia, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family. Sandy was predeceased by her parents and her brother-in-law, Richard Phelan.
Following cremation, memorial calling hours will be held on Friday January 17, 2025, from 4 - 5:30pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch Street, Derry. A Period of Sharing will be offered at 5:30pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Waypoint (formerly Child and Family Services) where Sandy enjoyed working for many years. https://waypointnh.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/