Obituary of Janet (King) O'Brien

Janet (King) O’Brien, New Glasgow, passed away peacefully in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII, on August 25th, 2025, with her adoring husband Ron and beloved niece, Debbie Balodis, at her side, shortly after her 80th birthday celebration.  After a courageous 63-year battle with type 1 diabetes, Jan’s remarkable fight came to a close. On many fronts, she was an enduring inspiration for life and living.  A life beautifully lived.

Born in New Glasgow, she was the adopted daughter of the late Milton Victor and Ella May (Moore) King. She grew up in New Glasgow’s vibrant north end where she enjoyed tons of friendships, many sports, dance, and skating.

                              
Jan started her career with Moe Harquail in his dentistry practice, where she developed the skills to become the Chief Administrator in the dental department of Sunnybrook hospital in Toronto.  She left Toronto to return to New Glasgow in the early 1990’s where, after a short stint with the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce, she worked as Executive Assistant with MacGregors Custom Machining Limited until 2019. She was a member of First United Baptist Church, New Glasgow.

 
She married Ron, the love of her life, in 2018, with whom she enjoyed date nights every Friday, playing games like crazy 8’s, honeymoon bridge, and backgammon, and hours of conversation sprinkled with their shared sense of humour. Janet enjoyed playing duplicate Bridge with many friends in the New Glasgow Duplicate Bridge Club, monthly girls lunches, and putting smiles on people’s faces wherever she went. 

A lifelong animal lover, Jan adored “anything with four legs and fur,” especially her cherished cats, most recently Max, Toby, and Red. She also had a particular fondness for elephants, deer and horses, often marveling at their intelligence, grace, and gentle strength. Her deep respect for animals extended to a passionate belief in protecting their habitats and welfare.

Jan had a keen eye for beauty in all its forms—whether in a blooming garden, a bouquet of fresh flowers, a well-crafted purse, a sparkling piece of jewellery, a striking work of art, or a breathtaking landscape. She equally cherished the simple pleasures in life, like savoring her favorite latte on a Sunday morning, especially when lovingly delivered by Ron.  

Surviving are her husband, Ron O’Brien; sisters, Vivian Goly (Joe), Ontario; Barbara (Grant) McDonald, Linacy; Peggy Young, Linacy; many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by sisters June Sloan, Betty Osborn, Mildred Murray, Dorothy Patelakis; brothers, Harold King; Bruce Jenkins.

Jan’s impact on Ron’s life can be summed up by this refrain from a 1990’s song:

                “Nothing ever moved me this way,
                Nothing ever filled me up like you did.
                Nothing ever moved me this way,
                No-one ever touched my heart like you did.”
                                             -Rebecka Tornqvist
 

In honour of Janet’s wishes, there will be a celebration of life at the Stellarton Legion, where she played bridge, on Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00. Her many friends will be welcomed with open arms.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jan’s memory to any of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Canadian Diabetes Association, CA-R-MA Pictou County Chapter, or Pictou County SPCA.

Lovingly submitted by family.