Carolanne S. O’Brien
June 21, 1945 - November 26, 2025
Carolanne S. O’Brien, age 80, of New Castle, DE, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
Born in Flint, MI on June 21, 1945, she was a daughter of the late George Lyle and Hattie May (Williams) Stephens. After retiring from the State of Delaware, Carolanne worked for the Social Security Administration for 10 years. She loved gardening, cooking and following the weather. Carolanne was an advocate for civil rights and those with disabilities. She also loved animals of every kind.
In addition to her parents, Carolanne was preceded in death by her husband, Richard T. O’Brien; and her sister, Nora LaPonsie. She is survived by her sons, Richard L. O’Brien (Lisa), and John P. O’Brien (Vivianne); grandchildren, Ricky O’Brien (Katrina), Daniel O’Brien, Nicole Start (Ben), and Taca O’Brien; great-grandchildren, Jackson O’Brien, Bennett O’Brien, Mackenzie Start, and April Start.
A committal service will begin at 1 pm on Thursday, December 18, 2025, in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carolanne’s name to the Sunday Breakfast Mission, P.O. Box 352, Wilmington, DE 19899 or online by clicking here.
Sharon France
Carol has been my friend since childhood and was part of our special little group of friends. It is hard to believe that she is gone. Even though we didn’t get to see each other very often, we stayed in contact and remained good friends.She will always be a part of us. I’ll miss you dear friend.
Kathleen O'Brien
Carol was my mother in law but treated me like her own daughter. We spent time traveling/vacationing, shopping, camping, gardening and as pet parents. A few times I had to rescue ground hogs from her dog. She will be missed but believe she is now happy and at peace as she joins my father in law and her parents.
Franny Davis Mace
Carolanne, I remember meeting you the first time with Janis Potter She took me into your office at Drummond and we were talking about how to help me with my disability. I damaged my feet when fleeing from a domestic violence situation with young children. So We were there to develop a plan with my damaged feet. Well Carolanne said “your feet are the least of your issues”.
She took me under her wing helped me. Between her and Janis they are the reason that I am alive. She saved me and never once took NO I can’t do that as an excuse. I love you Carolanne and I shall miss you. I already I wish we could have a long conversation on the phone and or while visiting with you.
To your Beautiful family I send my condolences and prayers.
You remember when it gets hard how lucky you were to have her in your lives, I know I will.
Cynthia McGlothlin
She led our classes at Division of vocational Rehabilatation She was very nice
Pat Hordeychuk
Carol was a precious friend since we met in high school and the friendship lasted to this day. I talked to her just two days before she passed away, for which I am so grateful. Friends forever Carol. Love Pat Hordeychuk 🌹🌹🌹🌹
Yvonne Marshall
I met Carolanne at Dept of Labor. I worked in HR. I remember her being a very sweet person who always looked after others. We continued our friendship on Facebook. My deepest condolences to the family as you deal with this gigantic loss. Sending prayers for comfort during this difficult time.
Belinda Criddell
I had the privilege of working with Carolanne for many years. She was my colleague, my supervisor, and ultimately, a dear friend. Her commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities was unwavering. She approached every challenge with compassion, determination, and a deep belief in the potential of every person she served. Carolanne didn’t just do her work—she lived it, with purpose and heart.
Beyond her professional excellence, she was an incredible source of support. When I lost my husband unexpectedly ten years ago, Carolanne was there for me in a way that very few people could be. Having experienced widowhood herself at a young age, she understood the kind of pain that can’t be explained. Instead of trying to fix it or offer empty comfort, she walked beside me. She listened. She shared her own experiences with honesty and vulnerability. The guidance and advice she offered during those darkest moments were invaluable, and I carry them with me to this day.
Carolanne was thoughtful, protective, and kind. She looked after her friends and colleagues the same way she advocated for the people we served—selflessly and wholeheartedly. Her legacy is not only in the work she accomplished, but in the countless lives she touched, healed, and uplifted along the way.
She made us better professionals, and she made us better people. I will always be grateful for her presence in my life and honored to have known her. May her memory continue to inspire compassion, strength, and hope in all of us.
Kimberly Pierce
Carolanne was my supervisor while working at the Department of Labor. She was an advocate for the individuals she worked with. She shared some awesome stories about her life and family, whom she loved very much. I’m sorry for your loss.
Cyndie O’Brien
Carol was a fierce advocate who made a positive change in the lives if many. She never wavered in her convictions. She was ahead progressive fighter, ahead of her time, who loved her granddaughter very much. Rest in peace, Carol.
Leanne Thomas
I am so sorry to hear of Carolanne’s passing. I worked for/with her for many years at DVR. She was always supportive and encouraged me to further my education, even though she knew that meant I would no longer be working for her. She spoke of her family often and was very proud of you all.
I still talk about our trips to New Orleans and Clearwater, our lunch meetings at TGIF, although she disapproved of us drinking iced tea, the way she pronounced schedule, and her handing business cards to the panhandlers on the street. I will cherish these and many more memories.