Coach Deborah “Debbie” S. O’Brien, 59, Passed Away, Leaving Husband and Kids Shattered!

Debbie worked for the Beloit school system for 22 years until recently.

October 8, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on October 8, 2026

Deborah “Debbie” Susan Adaline O’Brien passed away on October 6, 2026, at Beloit Memorial Hospital at the age of 59.

She suffered a heart attack in March 2026 and was admitted to the hospital for a week.

Debbie had shared the news of her health via Facebook, writing:

I don’t like sharing my business too much here but I’m going to share. Recently I had a heart attack was in the hospital for a week now I am back up here. All my problems started with COVID. Seems like they’re not getting better. So please take care of yourselves and your health.

On April 4, 2026, she updated her health status, stating that she had been discharged from the hospital. Debbie also expressed her gratitude for all the prayers and reach-outs.

After three months, on July 3, she shared another update that her health was ruined again, writing:

Guess who’s back where she does not want to be.

On September 27, she gave another update, “On my way home!!!!!” Whereas her last update was on September 29, when she wrote, “I’m back at least I’m closer.”

Debbie is survived by her husband of 28 years, Thomas O’Brien, and their children: daughter Jessica Hiatt and her husband, Josh Hiatt; son Joshua O’Brien and his wife, Bri; and son Jeremy O’Brien and his wife, Jackelyn Rodriguez.

She married Thomas O’Brien on May 31, 1997, in the Church by the Side of the Road, Rockton, IL. The couple had been happily married for 28 years until her passing.

Following Debbie’s demise, her daughter Jessica updated her profile picture to one featuring her.

Debbie (right) with her daughter Jessica (left) (Image Source: )

She was a loving grandmother to her grandchildren, Kyliana, Carter, Mark, Jayce, Koah, Abigail, Aayden, Aubrie, Chance, Ryleigh, Korri, Nolan, Draven, Isaac, and Mateo.

Debbie also leaves behind her brothers, Dave Keene and Daniel Converse, her sisters, Sharon Tuttle and Lisa (Matt Stackhouse) Converse, and Jonena (Ron Draeving) Pilz; her sisters-in-law, Robin Simplot and Angel Bessel; her uncle, Ronald Converse; several nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Debbie was preceded in demise by her parents, George “Bud” and Jacquline (Mayer) Converse, father-in-law, Donald O’Brien, mother-in-law, Joyce Bessel, brother-in-law, Donald O’Brien, and special niece, Crystal Hemmerling.

The O’Brien family extended their special gratitude to Dr. Leo, Dr. Karne, and Dr. Tecarro and their care teams for their top-notch care of Debbie.

Born on October 4, 1996, in Beloit, WI, Debbie graduated from Parkview High School in 1985.

Following her high school, she earned an Associate’s Degree, a Bachelor’s Degree, and a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Business.

She started her working career at Donna’s Grocery in Orfordville, Tex’s Laundromat, Old Chicago Deli, and Beloit Memorial Hospital.

Debbie worked for the Beloit school system for 22 years until recently.

A family woman at heart, Debbie loved spending time with her grandkids, baking, reading novels, gambling, watching foreign films, going on cruises, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.

A memorial visitation for Debbie is scheduled on Saturday, October 11, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. in the Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium.

During this difficult time, we pray for the strength of O’Brien’s husband, kids, and extended family.

Rest In Heavenly Peace, Debbie O’Brien!

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Aditi is an avid music lover whose interest's goes beyond the realm of music, with passion in digital marketing. A Gen Z who loves her personal space and is keen to exploring new things. An optimist who seeks silver lining in every circumstances life throws at her.

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