Carissa Dawn O'Brien Ortega

Born to Brenda and Bill O’Brien, she was the eldest sister of Natasha and Nicole O’Brien. Her nicknames as a child were Care Bear and Boo. She grew up in Westminster and graduated from Westminster High School. Shortly after graduation, she met her then-husband, Vince Ortega. With whom she had two children, Vincent and Victoria Ortega. She took great pride in her role as a mother and dedicated her life to her children. Not only did her children look at her as a mother but her extended family did as well. She was like a mother to her two younger sisters from childhood which then extended to her two nieces, Shayla and Madison.

She was selfless and made everyone feel like someone when they were in her presence. She touched the hearts of every person she met. Her laugh was contagious and there was never a dull moment with her. When she arrived, she was the life of the party.

In 2019 she met her partner Matt Woody, with whom she shared many exciting adventures. Carissa recently moved to Grand Lake, CO to start her next chapter in life with her fiancé Woody. He brought so much life, love, and new experiences into her world.

She was a light in everyone's lives. She had a heart of GOLD. She was dedicated, strong, and full of love. She will be eternally missed dearly.