Deirdre Ann O'Quinn

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Deirdre Ann (Brake) O’Quinn announce her unexpected passing at her home on May 25, 2021, at the age of 55 due to Covid-19 related complications.

She will forever be remembered, cherished and adored by her ever loving husband, Alex and beautiful daughter, Courtney (Matt MacIntosh).

As the first born child and oldest sister she also leaves behind her heartbroken parents, Ben and Helen Brake of South Branch, NL. Sisters Marielle (Wayde Gale), Tina (Bryan Harris), Jodie (Ken Butt) and brother B.J. (Marie Brake). As well, she leaves behind her adoring mother and father-in-law, Rose and Alex O’Quinn of South Branch. She also leaves a very large number of nieces and nephews who all loved to see Aunt DeeDee, whom she always welcomed with a smile, a joke, and a finger to pull at all times.

We cannot write this without including her best friend and soulmate sister for over 30 years, Gail Forsythe (Dave McGrath), who stepped in to care for and support DeeDee, Alex, and Courtney from the day they met to the day of her death, and all the days to come. We will be eternally grateful for your loving friendship and care.

DeeDee grew up in the small community of South Branch in the Codroy Valley, NL where everyone knew everyone and she lived a fun and free childhood. Her parents and siblings enjoyed family outings, swimming, hiking, fishing, camping and any manner of fun. She met the love of her life, Alex, in 1982, and the two have been inseparable ever since. They moved to Lower Sackville, NS and were married, then shared the best day of their lives in 1996 when they welcomed their pride and joy to the world, Courtney. Anyone who met Dee knows that Courtney was the center of her world. She was the best mother and devoted her life to raising a successful, beautiful daughter who in turn was there for her mother in times of need.

Professionally, DeeDee was a very dedicated worker with the Marwood Company. She fondly talked about her co-workers who were more like family to her. She loved joking and mothering everyone, and was always up for wearing costumes and cracking one liners to accompany any situation. She felt at home away from home with everyone there, her presence in the workplace will surely be missed.

Dee was very caring and always there to listen without judgment. She was private with her own struggles and never complained to anyone when faced with challenges over the last 5 years. She was humble and never wanted anyone to go out of their way for her. But her best quality, after her huge heart, was her very quick and humorous wit. She was never stuck for a one liner or hilarious comeback to any comment.

If only she knew how much we are all going to miss her. None of us had the chance to tell her goodbye. DeeDee would never want you to mourn or cry for her, she would want you to talk about the fun times and have a drink and dance for her. We will always and forever love her and miss her. In lieu of flowers or donations, please share with us your favourite memories of DeeDee.